On June 12, we provided an update to the Transit Committee on the Stage 2 O-Train extensions, bus fleet expansion, safety initiatives following the Westboro Coroner’s Inquest, and OC Transpo’s Non-Fare Revenue Strategy.
Didn’t get a chance to tune in? The Next Stop Blog has you covered! Check out our recap below to catch up on the latest updates.
Stage 2 O-Train Extensions Update
A progress update was provided on the Stage 2 O-Train East and West Extensions.
In the east, the O-Train will extendfrom Blair Station to Trim Station. Final construction activities and train testing on the O-Train East Extension are well underway and nearing completion. Stations are nearly complete with the final permits expected later this year which will confirm the building is safe and ready for public use. Trial running is anticipated to begin in the fall and the system is projected to open to the public in Q4 2025.
In the west, the O-Train is being extended from Tunney’s Pasture Station to Algonquin College and Moodie Drive. Construction of stations, guideway, track, and roadway works continue in all areas. All track work is complete, and the overhead wires that power the trains are being installed across the line.
You can listen to the full construction update here or check out some progress photos below.
Bus Fleet Update
We provided an update on our bus fleet and the delivery of vehicles. Here is what you need to know:
- We have purchased 11 pre-owned diesel buses that are anticipated to enter service in September.
- So far this year, 26 new electric buses have been delivered and 37 more are anticipated to arrive by the end of the year.
- 8 new minibuses have been added to the Para Transpo fleet and an additional 50 are expected to arrive by the end of December.
- 50 new diesel buses have been purchased and are anticipated to arrive in 2026 and 2027.
Response to Westboro Collision Coroner's Inquest
A comprehensive update was provided on the City of Ottawa’s response to the Coroner's Inquest investigating the 2019 collision at Westboro Station, with a focus on assessing safety-related recommendations across the transit system. An action plan was presented outlining steps underway and planned to address the inquest’s recommendations.
A more detailed update will be brought to Transit Committee later this year, including progress to-date, timelines for implementation, and any anticipated budget requirements for Council’s future consideration.
What is Non-Fare Revenue?
Non-fare revenue includes advertising, sponsorship, retail leasing, vending, space rental and other initiatives throughout the transit system to generate a diverse and consistent source of revenue beyond customer fares that can be reinvested into the system.
We provided an overview of OC Transpo’s Non-Fare Revenue Strategy which outlines key opportunities to grow revenue over the next five years. Our non-fare revenue currently consists mainly of advertising and accounted for approximately 2.5 per cent of total revenues in 2024. While the strategy acts as a guiding document, staff will leverage new opportunities to expedite revenue generation wherever possible.
Ridership update
Here’s what you need to know about our latest ridership statistics:
- 5.9 million customer-trips were taken on the O-Train and on buses in April.
- Rail service delivery in May on O-Train Line 1Line 1 was 99.4 per cent and 98.6 per cent on O-Train Lines 2Line 2 and 4Line 4.
- Conventional bus service delivery in May was 98 per cent.
- Over the past 12-months, 868,200 customer-trips have been taken on Para Transpo.
Do you love metrics? So do we! Check out our brand new Key Performance Indicators webpage.
