Transit Committee receives update on Stage 2 LRT and New Ways to Bus route changes

Transit Committee were provided with an update on the progress of Stage 2 and New Ways to Bus The Transit Committee today received an update on the progress of the O-Train East and West Extensions,  preparations for the launch of New Ways to Bus, and an update on fare compliance initiatives. As part of the O-Train East Extension, system testing is occurring between Blair and Trim stations, operator training has begun, and final station construction finishes are underway. As construction wraps up, the focus will be on achieving substantial completion, performing trial running, obtaining safety approvals and preparing for passenger service. Updates will continue to be provided to Transit Committee as the project progresses. On the O-Train West Extension project, construction, track installation and overhead catenary system installation continues. Later this spring, train testing is anticipated to begin on a section of track from the Corkstown Yard Light Maintenance and Storage Facility. Beginning April 27, OC Transpo will launch New Ways To Bus. OC Transpo’s new bus network will focus on frequency, local neighbourhood service, connections to O-Train Lines 1 and 2, and key destinations. New Ways to Bus will significantly change OC Transpo’s bus network, with over 100 routes changing, and is a big step towards meeting OC Transpo’s service reliability target of 99.5 per cent. More information, including the New Ways to Bus Travel Planner, is available on octranspo.com. Committee members received an update on OC Transpo’s customer survey results, which showed improvements compared to 2023. Customer surveys, conducted by the Transport Strategy Centre of Imperial College, took place between April and May 2024 to identify the areas where improvements have been made and where OC Transpo can continue to improve. Overall, increased ratings were seen in all areas and staff have identified several areas of focus where improvements can be made. The Committee also received the latest update on OC Transpo’s Fare Enforcement initiative. Fare compliance is an element that contributes to revenue stability, the integrity of the fare system, and equity among riders. Transit Fare Enforcement Officers act as ambassadors for fare compliance, providing information and education to customers using the transit network and support overall safety. In 2024, 4,309 citations and 89 warnings were issued to customers. The fare compliance initiative will continue in the future. As March 18 is Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day, Transit Committee took the opportunity to recognize the dedication and valuable work that OC Transpo employees do every day to move customers around Ottawa safely. For more information on OC Transpo, visit octranspo.com, or follow us on Facebook,  X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.