The Transit Committee today received an update on how the action items in the Customer-First Action Plan will increase transit reliability, including planning and scheduling improvements, the bus fleet plan and an integrated workforce strategy. Updates were also provided on OC Transpo’s Public Safety Strategy and progress on the O-Train Stage 2 work.
OC Transpo confirmed that O-Train Line 1 is fully prepared for Canada Day, summer festival season and the federal government’s return to office. Double-car weekday service was restored on June 8. There will be continued fleet improvements throughout the summer, including more vehicles entering service as progress is made on the condition monitoring system and the replacement of cartridge bearing assemblies.
The Committee heard an update on the Public Safety Strategy, which outlines safety and security initiatives, priorities and key performance indicators for transit. The strategy was informed by extensive collaboration with internal and external partners, including the Community Social Services Department, as well as engagement with transit agencies across Canada. Updates were provided on enhanced staffing and training for Special Constables, including Ottawa Police Service-led training on responding to hate-motivated incidents. Details were also provided on the Rideau Station Revitalization project, which will include a Special Constable Unit office within the station and public washroom enhancements, both expected to be implemented later this year.
The Committee also learned of ongoing efforts being made to improve bus service reliability. Reliability is the result of three key factors: a well-running bus fleet that is ready and able to start and finish every trip on time, adequate running times built into schedules, and having the necessary vehicles and staff required to deliver service every day.
OC Transpo has begun work to support reliability improvements by correcting run times on eight routes across the city. In April and June, routes 11, 12, 15, 30, 53, 81, 82 and 168 have been adjusted to better reflect travel times and traffic patterns. In September, an additional 22 routes will be adjusted. With these changes, it is expected that 50 per cent of riders will see route reliability improvements by the fall.
OC Transpo also shared that they are assessing federal employee data to establish which bus routes will need more capacity to support federal employees who are returning to the office, including routes 5, 8, 13, 24, 61, 62, 63, 66, 74 and 75. OC Transpo will be monitoring ridership on all routes and will be ready to assign additional buses, if needed.
In addition to scheduling improvements, an update was shared on the Bus Fleet Plan and how it will contribute to service reliability. The Committee learned that a summer maintenance campaign is currently underway, during which 277 articulated buses will undergo an enhanced maintenance regime. This campaign will target components that fail most frequently in the winter to ensure the fleet is prepared for the winter months. A refurbishment initiative is also underway, and it is expected that this regime will add another three years of service life to 30 articulated buses.
The Committee also heard that by fall 2027, 50 per cent of the conventional bus fleet will be replaced by electric buses. Ottawa will lead North America in the percentage of electric buses within its bus fleet once all the new vehicles have been onboarded.
Finally, the Committee heard that OC Transpo is actively engaging partners and unions to deliver a multi-year workforce strategy to ensure frontline positions are staffed to deliver service excellence to customers. The integrated strategy includes a planned expansion of the apprenticeship program to target a staffing level of 105%, to account for workforce losses, ensure consistent operations and reduce potential risks.
