The Transit Committee yesterday approved OC Transpo’s 2026 draft budget. The 2026 net operating budget is $906 million, and it will rise to Council on December 10, 2025.
The draft budget will support several strategic initiatives tied to OC Transpo’s 5-Year Roadmap and goal of reaching 99.5 per cent for bus service delivery. It ensures that OC Transpo can continue to deliver the services that residents rely on.
Investments in 2026 include the opening of the O-Train Line 1 East Extension to Trim Station and connecting the surrounding bus routes, recruitment for Para Transpo operators, maintaining O-Train services at current levels and maintaining current bus service levels with increased reliability. Capital investments for lifecycle replacements will return to historic norms following efficiencies that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 budget will also see continued preparations for the O-Train West Extension to Algonquin and Moodie Stations.
As part of the draft budget, an eight-per-cent increase to the transit levy is proposed, as well as some changes to OC Transpo’s fares:
- Most fares will increase by 2.5 per cent.
- The new Adult single-ride fare will be $4.10, and a monthly adult pass will be $138.50.
- EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass fares will not change.
Fare changes proposed in the draft budget will take effect January 1, 2026.
