OC Transpo provides update on Stage 2 O-Train East and West Extensions

Transit Committee was provided with an update on Stage 2 O-Train extensions, OC Transpo’s Non-Fare Revenue Strategy, and the City of Ottawa’s action plan to address recommendations from the Westboro Collision Coroner's Inquest. The Transit Committee today received a progress update on the Stage 2 O-Train extensions, buses being added to the fleet, OC Transpo’s Non-Fare Revenue Strategy, and the City of Ottawa’s action plan to address recommendations from the Westboro Collision Coroner's Inquest. Transit Committee heard that final construction activities and train testing on the O-Train East Extension are well underway and nearing completion. ​Station occupancy for the east stations is nearly complete with occupancy permits expected later this year. Trial running is anticipated to begin in the fall and the system is projected to open to the public in Q4 2025. In the west, construction of stations, guideway, track and roadway works continue in all areas. All track work is complete, and the overhead wires that power the trains are being installed across the line. OC Transpo provided an update on its bus fleet and the delivery of vehicles, including 11 pre-owned diesel buses that are anticipated to enter service in September. So far this year, 26 new electric buses have been delivered and 37 more are anticipated to arrive by the end of the year. Eight new minibuses have been added to the Para Transpo fleet and an additional 50 are expected to arrive by the end of December. In addition, 50 new diesel buses have been purchased and are anticipated to arrive in 2026 and 2027. Transit Committee received an overview of OC Transpo’s Non-Fare Revenue Strategy which outlines key opportunities to grow revenue over the next five years. Non-fare revenue includes advertising, sponsorship, retail leasing, vending, space rental and other initiatives throughout the transit system to generate a diverse and consistent source of revenue beyond customer fares that can be reinvested into the transit system. OC Transpo's non-fare revenue currently consists mainly of advertising and accounted for approximately 2.5 per cent of total revenues in 2024. While the strategy acts as a guiding document, staff will leverage new opportunities to expedite revenue generation wherever possible. ​​Staff provided a comprehensive update in response to the Coroner's Inquest investigating the 2019 collision at Westboro Station, with a focus on assessing safety-related recommendations across the transit system. An action plan was presented outlining steps underway and planned to address the inquest’s recommendations. A more detailed update will be brought to Transit Committee later this year, including progress to date, timelines for implementation, and any anticipated budget requirements for Council’s future consideration. Committee members also heard that there were 5.9 million customer-trips on the O-Train and on buses in April. Rail service delivery in May on O-Train Line 1 was 99.4 per cent and 98.6 per cent on O-Train Lines 2 and 4. Conventional bus service delivery in May was 98 per cent. Over the past 12-months, 868,200 customer-trips have been taken on Para Transpo.  For more information on OC Transpo, visit octranspo.com, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.