One of our goals at The Next Stop Blog is to talk about some of the lesser-known work that we do here at OC Transpo.
You've probably seen, either in person or on the news, that OC Transpo will send a bus to major emergencies. If there is a fire or gas leak, there's a good chance you'll see an OC Transpo bus parked nearby. That's a shelter bus, and we're very proud to be able to help those in need.
What does this year's budget mean for you?
On March 1, City Council approved the 2023 Budget. In this post, we’re breaking down this year’s key investments in transit and what it means for you.
OC Transpo’s budget can be broken down into two categories: capital and operating.
What’s the difference? Our operating budget pays for costs such as fuel, salaries, and maintenance. Our capital budget is used to make long-term investments in the transit system such as facility upgrades and other assets.
What are we investing in?
At OC Transpo, we’re proud of our 3,000 transit workers that keep Ottawa moving 24/7, 365 days a year. Our dedicated team delivers over 98.5 million trips per year combined on Para Transpo and OC Transpo. Whether you are travelling to work, school, shopping, an appointment or visiting family and friends, transit staff are working hard to get you there.
Read More about Celebrate transit operators and workers on March 18
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity.
At OC Transpo, we recognize that each person brings different experiences to the table. The more we can do as an organization and as individuals to break down barriers, the more inclusive, welcoming and healthy our workplaces will be.
Let’s get to know some of the women on the front lines and behind the scenes of Ottawa’s transit system!
Read More about OC Transpo celebrates International Women’s Day
Minor service reductions will be made on some bus routes during March Break (March 13 to 17), since many people are on holidays and schools are closed.
Buses and O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. Rural shoppers' Routes 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305 will operate a regular schedule. School routes numbered in the 600s and special trips on regular routes to elementary schools will not operate.
Transit Commission heard that O-Train Line 1 and conventional bus ridership is at 62% of pre-pandemic levels and Para Transpo ridership is at 76% of pre-pandemic levels. This is a steady rise from last year and is on-par with ridership forecasts for 2023.
We are continuing to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to more O-Train Line 1 stations. In January, Pimisi Station became our fourth station to have Wi-Fi.
This spring, we’ll be continuing to educate customers about how to use the transit system and plan their commutes.
For the first time last fall, Rack & Roll units remained on OC Transpo’s bus fleet to help customers combine cycling with transit this winter. If you aren’t familiar with OC Transpo’s Rack & Roll program it’s a convenient and fast way cyclists can transport their bike on a bus.
The Next Stop Blog caught up with Dave from Bike Ottawa to chat about his experience with Rack & Roll this season.
At OC Transpo, we are committed to providing transit services that are accessible to everyone.
Para Transpo is a shared-ride, book-in-advance, public transit service. The service is open to customers who are unable to take buses or the O-Train some or all of the time due to a disability.
There are more than 130 operators on the Para Transpo team who provide door-to-door service.
We caught up with Sam who is one of our operators to find out what it’s like to spend a day behind the wheel at Para Transpo.
What’s a typical day for a Para Transpo operator?
Is it embarrassing to get excited about a transit pass?
No, we didn’t think so either.
A customer recently turned in a very special transit pass from the year 2000.
Not only was it from the first month of the year, but it was the very first pass issued of the millennium!
That’s right – transit pass 0001.
Our jaws dropped when seeing the excellent condition of this historic pass. We immediately added it to our archives.
This made us wonder, what other vintage transit passes do we have kicking around?
There’s a new train in town.
Have you met the FLIRT?
Also known as the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train, the FLIRT is our newest train that is currently undergoing testing on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension. In the near future, customers will be able to ride our newest trains between Bayview Station and Limebank Station in Riverside South on the future expanded Line 2
Let’s get to know our new train a little better.
We did it. We’ve launched a blog. If it were 1999, this would be cutting edge.
We recognize the year is 2023 and a TikTok account would have been more timely. We’re not ruling that out, we just need to work on our choreography.
We also recognize that you, our customers, have lots of questions. We’re working to rebuild your trust and we understand that communication is an important part of this journey.
The Next Stop Blog is your destination for OC Transpo stories and explainers. We want you to get to know OC Transpo. Not a little better, but a lot better.
Less greenhouse gas emissions, same great service and lower operating costs.
That’s exactly what OC Transpo is working toward as we transition our bus fleet from diesel to electric.
On February 1, Council approved our plan to proceed with adding 26 zero emission buses (ZEBs) in 2024. We also received approval to move ahead with facility upgrades that will help charge and maintain our growing electric bus fleet.
This is an important project and we’re excited to tell you more about it.