On May 26, the Light Rail Sub-Committee received an update on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension project and received a detailed report on the preparations for the public opening of the system.
You can watch our update here .
In late May, OC Transpo had the privilege of hosting a very special guest at our O-Train simulator.
As a child, Juanita Snelgrove grew up next to train tracks. After seeing trains pass by her home every day, she always dreamt of driving one.
She never gave up on that dream and at the age of 107, it finally came true.
Spring is in the air and construction is moving ahead full speed on all three Stage 2 O-Train Extensions.
The O-Train South extension is getting closer to completion each day. We recently celebrated the Stadler FLIRT’s first journey to Riverside South in late April. As trackwork continues to progress, we’re excited to see the FLIRT travel further north.
Before this can happen, let’s check in on how rail installation is progressing on the O-Train South Extension.
Read More about Rail Installation on the O-Train South Extension
Transit Commission members were told May 11 that ridership numbers for March 2023 hit 6 million customer-trips. That’s an increase of 1.6 million over March 2022. Conventional bus service delivery also increased to 98 per cent.
Para Transpo ridership is at 82 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with 66,200 customer-trips in March 2023, compared to 47,800 in March 2022. On-time performance was at 94 per cent this February.
In 1973, Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister, the Ottawa Rough Riders won their eighth Grey Cup, and public transit in Ottawa underwent a name change.
On May 13, 1973, the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission officially unveiled its new name and brand, OC Transpo, at a ceremony in front of the Chateau Laurier.
So, this is a pretty cool story. Some might say it’s a hot topic.
OC Transpo has joined cities such as London, Berlin, Belfast, Stockholm, Dubai, Izmir, Nantes, and Barcelona in an international study on temperature on public transit.
Coordinated by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the study is looking to find out how we can reduce energy consumption while providing a comfortable trip for passengers.
We caught up with Jasjeet on OC Transpo’s Engineering Services team to find out more about the ongoing study.
Read More about OC Explained: Temperature Monitoring on Buses
Discover the latest updates on OC Transpo ridership, reaching 63% of pre-pandemic levels for O-Train Line 1 and conventional buses!
Learn about the 2022 O-Train Line 1 annual compliance report, with OC Transpo being compliant or mostly compliant in all areas of responsibility!
Find out how R1 bus replacement service is implemented to minimize disruptions and keep passengers informed!
What happens when there is a medical emergency on a train?
Why are trains sometimes temporarily held?
How do trains know when they have to switch tracks?
Every train movement on O-Train Line 1 is carefully automated; however, sometimes there are incidents or emergencies that need troubleshooting.
Electric Rail Controllers (ERC) play an important role in helping you safely arrive at your destination.
ERCs are constantly monitoring the rail service and are ready to respond if something happens to help minimize impacts to your commute.
Let’s get to know OC Transpo’s ERCs.
Read More about A Day In The Life - Electric Rail Controller
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
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.
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?