Here’s a summary of updates at Transit Committee on Thursday, September 10. Presentation slides and a YouTube index are also below.
Fall service update
OC Transpo has introduced more reliable bus schedules on 30 routes, serving 50 per cent of customers. Train frequency has been increased on O-Train Line 1 and an earlier service start time was introduced on Line 2. In the west end, there is new express service between Tunney’s Pasture and Kanata as well as DND Carling Campus, saving customers between 10 and 20 minutes each day. OC Transpo will continue to monitor ridership across all routes and stations to identify where additional improvements may be needed.
Stage 2 O-Train extension: East
Trains are running on the east extension now to get the system ready and train staff. Pre-trial running is currently forecast to begin in early October, followed by trial running. Updates will continue to be provided to Council as progress towards the official trial running period is made.
Stage 2 O-Train extension: West
The committee received an update on the damage to the Moodie Station area following the July 1 storm. OC Transpo is working to rebuild or replace affected infrastructure, and will review how this impacts the project schedule. On a more positive note, the western extension reached an important milestone with the first train movement from Tunney’s Pasture Station to Algonquin Station.
Free transit weekend
Celebrate Ottawa’s 200th anniversary with free transit all weekend long on September 26 and 27. Residents will have unlimited access to buses, O-Train lines, and Para Transpo services. Learn more at OC Transpo’s information page for the event.
Customer information sessions
More than 400 residents attended this summer’s customer information sessions, where they could learn about planned service changes and ask questions directly to OC Transpo leadership. General Manager Rick Leary said it was “an absolute pleasure” to talk to transit users and hear their feedback directly. Key themes included express bus service, reliability and capacity, service enhancements, safety, comfort and cleanliness. OC Transpo has committed to hosting these sessions again in the future.
Hiring and training
OC Transpo continues to make progress on hiring and a record number of employees have been trained this year. More than 1,400 of 1,600 bus operators have completed zero-emission bus training. Additional mechanics and garage attendants are currently in training, and the number of apprentice candidates has doubled.
Ridership numbers
In July 2026, O-Train and bus ridership was 4.4 million and total ridership for the past 12 months was 67.9 million. Para Transpo ridership for July was 76,800. Total ridership over the past 12 months was 925,900.
New articulated buses
OC Transpo received the first of 52 new high-capacity articulated buses expected to be delivered over the next year. The new bus is currently going through the final stages of getting ready for service. All of these 60-foot buses will have new passenger layouts, display screens, modernized traction control, and a smoother transmission. Attendees at the customer information sessions were so excited about the new articulated buses that OC Transpo is planning an event to show off the new bus before it enters service.
Para Transpo late night service
On September 4, OC Transpo launched its late night Para Transpo service pilot project. The service now runs until 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights, providing more options for riders. OC Transpo is looking for feedback on this pilot, either via email or an upcoming in-person Para Transpo Talk event. Information how to book late-night Para Transpo service can be found on the OC Transpo website.
Presentation slides
- OC Transpo Update – Rail, Bus, and Para Transpo
- Mise à jour sur OC Transpo – train, autobus et Para Transpo
- Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project
- Phase 2 du projet de train léger sur rail3