NOTEBOOK: Recap of Transit Committee on March 12, 2026

by | Mar 13, 2026 | Notebook

NOTEBOOK: Recap of Transit Committee on March 12, 2026

March 18 is Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day, so we kicked off our Transit Committee meeting with a special ceremony recognizing the dedicated, skillful work of 18 OC Transpo representatives. Thank you for your service and dedication!

 

Impacts of Wednesday’s freezing rain

During Wednesday’s freezing rain, the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) was damaged near Lees Station. RTG continues to repair and inspect the OCS. Until service can safely resume, Line 1 train service is operating in the west between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations and R1 bus service is operating between Blair and Lyon stations. For the latest updates, visit octranspo.com.

Wheel bearing spalling update

O-Train Line 1 service continues to operate at three- to four-minute frequency during peak periods with 21 vehicles available for service. OC Transpo is making progress with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) on the action plan to safely restore full capacity on Line 1. Detailed technical work and safety reviews are progressing on a revised containment plan. When this work is finalized, OC Transpo will hold a technical briefing on next steps.

Bus fleet update

There is progress on increasing the number of buses available for service. OC Transpo continues to monitor bus service and minimize the number of undelivered trips. Last week, the daily average was 509 buses available. The temporary daily average requirement is 500.

There are now 64 zero-emission vehicles delivered, along with an additional 11 used diesel buses and 46 Para Transpo minibuses.

Next generation of bus schedules

OC Transpo will change how it schedules buses ahead of the O-Train Line 1 West Extension opening. Staff are working on strengthening processes and looking at best practices across the industry to see what can be adapted for use in our city, with a goal of implementing new scheduling processes by November 2026. This could include a shift away from interlining of routes.

Recruitment strategy

Mechanic recruitment is ongoing with a goal of recruiting up to 20 new mechanics in 2026. OC Transpo’s other recruitment targets for this year include 360 bus operators, 100 Electric Rail Operators, 27 Diesel Rail Operators, 18 Para Transpo Operators and 20 Special Constables.

Ridership

In January 2026, O-Train and bus ridership was 6.1 million, down slightly from January 2025. The total ridership for the past 12 months is 70.6 million, which is 2.4 per cent higher than the previous 12-month period.

Para Transpo ridership for January was 75,300 and 73,300 in February. Total ridership over the past 12 months is 896,500, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to the previous 12-month period.

Stage 2 East Extension update

Substantial Completion has been achieved. Before Trial Running can begin, OC Transpo needs more trains available and Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) has to be fully trained on the new system and complete their familiarization process. Updates will continue to be shared with Council, and a technical briefing will be held in advance of Trial Running.

Stage 2 West Extension update

All 36 kilometres of track have been installed and the OCS is 65 per cent complete. In 2026, it is anticipated that a number of major achievements will be made in the West including electrifying the OCS, train testing, and commissioning key systems such as the tunnel ventilation system. Construction activities are expected to continue into late 2026, with a handover to the City anticipated in Q2 2027, followed by preparations for passenger service in Q3. That’s a shift from the previous estimate of Q1 2027.

Update on recommendations from the Westboro Coroner’s Inquest

Twenty recommendations have currently been implemented, 17 are in progress and four are still in the evaluation stage. Some of the completed items include safety key performance indicators being published on octranspo.com monthly, the creation of a Safety Observation Data Working Group, and completing driver abstracts on a daily basis. Full implementation of the recommendations will require a multi-year phased approach, and updates will continue to be provided to the Committee as work progresses.

 

Presentation slides

YouTube index