Transit Committee Receives an Update on the O-Train Stage 2 East and West Extensions

Transit Committee receives update on O-Train Stage 2 East and West Extensions

The Transit Committee was provided updates on O-Train Line 1 service and efforts to strengthen bus service delivery; 2026 recruitment targets for bus operators and mechanics; a Stage 2 O-Train extension update; regular key performance indicators; as well as an update on the implementation of recommendations from the Westboro inquest. 

O-Train Line 1 service continues to operate at three- to four-minute frequency during peak periods with 21 vehicles available for service. The Committee heard that OC Transpo is making positive progress with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) on the action plan to safely restore capacity on Line 1. Detailed technical work and safety reviews are progressing on a revised containment plan. As this work is finalized, updates and timelines for service recovery will be shared with Council and the public.   

OC Transpo provided an update on bus service delivery, which included further details on the bus delivery action plan. Overall, incremental progress on strengthening bus service delivery is being made. OC Transpo continues to monitor bus service and make every effort to minimize the number of undelivered trips by proactively making real-time service adjustments. 

Sixty-four zero-emission vehicles are now part of the bus fleet available for daily service, along with 11 used diesel buses and 46 Para Transpo minibuses. Mechanic recruitment is ongoing with a goal of recruiting up to 20 new mechanics in 2026. The Committee also heard that OC Transpo’s 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. 

Staff presented the next steps now that Substantial Completion of the O-Train East Extension has been achieved. Before Trial Running may begin, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) must be fully trained on the new system and complete their familiarization process, Trial Running oversight resources need to be mobilized and ready, and the appropriate number of vehicles is needed. Updates will continue to be shared with Council, and a technical briefing will be held in advance of Trial Running. 

Progress on the O-Train West Extension also continues to be made. Staff heard that all 36 kilometres of track have been installed and that the Overhead Catenary System (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. 

The Committee heard an update on plans for bus service scheduling in 2026. OC Transpo is systematically revising how it schedules buses ahead of the O-Train Line 1 West Extension opening, with a focus on lessons learned from the past. 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. 

Staff also provided an update on the status of implementing the recommendations from the Westboro Coroner’s Inquest. 20 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. 

The Committee learned that in January 2026, O-Train and bus ridership was 6.1 million and 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. 

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