Transit Committee receives update on OC Transpo’s action plan to improve transit services

Transit Committee receives update on OC Transpo’s action plan to improve transit services

The Transit Committee received an introduction to the new OC Transpo Customer-First Action Plan which is focused on improving the customer experience at every step of the transit journey. Updates were also provided on the work to restore O-Train Line 1 capacity, bus service availability, the new Special Constable Community Visibility Team and key performance indicators. 

The Committee heard that OC Transpo’s new customer-first action plan will make service more reliable, put customers first, strengthen financial stability and build a sustainable workforce. Ten key action items are designed to rebuild a safe, reliable and customer-focused transit system through measurable operational improvements, investment in employees, stronger accountability, and improving customer safety and security. 

Actions within the plan include:

• Restoring O-Train Line 1 capacity
• Improving preventative bus maintenance and putting new vehicles into service
• Making Para Transpo more flexible for customers
• Improving system-wide safety, cleanliness and employee presence
• Hosting customer townhalls
• Introducing new reporting and performance metrics
• Completing the LRT upload to the Province of Ontario and reinvesting $85 million into transit
• Growing non-fare revenues through enhanced digital advertising
• Developing a 10-year capital investment plan
• Establishing an integrated workforce strategy
• Engaging transit employees to become the top transit employer in Canada

 Updates to this action plan will continue to be shared with the Transit Committee and customers over the coming months. 

OC Transpo shared that some double-car trains began operating on O-Train Line 1 on Thursday morning. This marks progress to restore normal peak period capacity on Line 1.  Customers may see some double-car trains during peak service hours from Monday to Friday operating every three to four minutes. OC Transpo is continuing to work with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom on the containment measures for the Cartridge Bearing Assemblies (CBAs). Incremental progress has been made to implement the plan. Full Line 1 service capacity is expected to resume by mid-June. 

The timing for the trial running of the East extension will continue to be evaluated based on increasing vehicle availability. 

 An update was shared on the bus fleet and maintenance activities. OC Transpo is moving towards a preventative maintenance model, and this summer will focus on targeted vehicle refurbishments, decommissioning old buses, and the onboarding of more Zero Emission Buses and new 60-foot buses. This work will help prepare the fleet for peak customer demand in September and the winter season. 

The Committee also heard about the launch of the new Community Visibility Team, a Special Constable Unit initiative to increase visible patrols across the transit system. During weekday daytime hours, Special Constables in high-visibility vests will patrol on foot and by bike to enhance presence and visibility. While their primary focus is proactive engagement, they will also address issues and conduct enforcement when needed.

The Committee learned that in March 2026, O-Train and bus ridership was 5.9 million and the total ridership for the past 12 months is 69 million, which is 0.4 per cent higher than the previous 12-month period. 

Para Transpo ridership for April was 81,500. Total ridership over the past 12 months is 909,800, an increase of 5.2 per cent compared to the previous 12-month period. 

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