Latest news with #TransitCommittee
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
O-Train eastern extension expected to open to transit riders by end of 2025, staff say
Passengers will be riding the O-Train into Orléans by the end of the year, but there is no firm date on when the Line 1 extension will open as construction continues in Ottawa's east end. The Transit Committee received an update on construction on Stage 2 of the light rail transit system on Thursday, including work to extend Line 1 from Blair Station to Trim Station. 'Overall, we're making good progress, but it's important that we take our time and follow all the necessary steps to ensure we have a successful launch, as we recently experienced with Lines 2 and 4,' Richard Holder, director of rail construction, told councillors. 'Trial running is anticipated to begin in the fall and the system is projected to open to the public in Q4 2025.' A presentation to councillors showed handover to the city is expected in the July to September period, with trial running and trial operations scheduled for October to December. The pathway to passenger service includes five to 10 days of pre-trial running work, followed by a minimum 21 days of trial running. The pre-trial work and trial running will be conducted once OC Transpo and its partners reach substantial competition. The trial running period will 'exercise and evaluate the performance' of the system's infrastructure, vehicles, operating and maintenance personnel and operating procedures, according to staff. Montreal Road A look at the Montreal Station platform on the new O-Train Line 1. (OC Transpo/report) Coun. Tim Tierney said he's not optimistic the LRT line will open by the end of this year. 'Very exciting news. Of course, promise less, deliver more,' Tierney joked. 'Definitely, towards the end of the year, we'll see something - train testing will take place. Most likely it will be fare revenue, you're saying probably Q4, I'm not going to say that. I've been spit-balling with some colleagues, I'm thinking it's probably going to be February 2026. If it's earlier, that's gravy.' Tierney calls the LRT a 'game changer' for the east end. Trim Station An overhead view of the new Trim Road LRT Station in Ottawa's east end. (OC Transpo/report) A report for the Transit Committee says major activities to complete include software upgrades and operator training for the fleet, and staff say 'work is progressing' on the training program, staffing and recruitment and maintenance readiness. The hiring of new Electric Rail Operators and familiarization training are underway, and training on Stage 2 is expected to begin in late July. The western extension of the O-Train Line 1 from Tunney's Pasture to Moodie Drive and Algonquin College is expected to open to the public in 2027.
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Ottawa buys 15-year-old buses to help alleviate pressures on aging fleet
OC Transpo says it has purchased 11, 15-year-old buses to boost its fleet. (OC Transpo/presentation) OC Transpo has purchased 11 used buses to help alleviate pressures on the City of Ottawa's aging bus fleet, but delays with electrical infrastructure work could slow down the rollout of zero-emission buses later this year and in early 2026. The City of Ottawa currently has an aging bus fleet, with an average age of the conventional buses at 15 years old, and is facing delays with the arrival of new electric buses. The city's 338 articulated buses have an average age of 14.7, while the 40-foot diesel buses have an average age of 19. Of the bus trips cancelled by OC Transpo in May, 0.4 per cent of trips were scrapped due to mechanical breakdown and 0.2 per cent were cancelled due to no buses available. Councillors on the Transit Committee were told Thursday that OC Transpo has located and purchased 11 used buses that were initially introduced into service in 2009-10. 'The buses are very similar to our existing 40-foot Nova buses and will be a great addition to our fleet,' staff said. 'They are in good condition; however, it will take some time before they can enter service. Buses will require mechanical inspections, minor repairs, installations of OC Transpo decals and IT fit up and more.' OC Transpo currently has 249 Nova buses, with an average age of 5.3 years old. Staff say OC Transpo has purchased 50 new diesel buses that will arrive in 2026 and 2027. A backlog in maintenance and aging buses have put pressure on the fleet. The requirement for buses drops from 540 to 459 buses in the summer, but staff said O-Train maintenance closures and special events will put pressure on the fleet. However, staff warn the delay in electrical infrastructure work at OC Transpo maintenance facilities 'may have a significant impact to the zero-emission bus program as we onboard additional buses this year.' OC Transpo continues to accept new zero-emission buses, with 350 buses expected to arrive by the spring of 2027. Staff say there is a delay in the delivery of the 'Trans-Rupters' needed for the on-site substation. The Trans-Rupter is a critical component required to connect the hydro supply to the upcoming onsite substation. The delay with the delivery time of the substation's Trans-Rupter could delay the commissioning of the substation from November 2025 to April 2026. The issues mean the upcoming delivery of 80 e-buses will be required to charge from the 30 chargers currently in service.
CTV News
12-06-2025
- CTV News
OC Transpo studying driver-facing cameras on buses in response to coroner's inquest
OC Transpo is exploring the idea of installing driver-facing cameras on the existing bus fleet, but staff warn installing the cameras will have 'significant budgetary pressures.' The jury at the coroner's inquest into the fatal 2019 OC Transpo bus crash at Westboro Station made 60 recommendations aimed at improving safety and bus operator training, including installing operator-facing cameras on all buses 'to be used for safety purposes.' In a report for the Transit Committee meeting on Thursday, staff said OC Transpo agrees with the recommendation to install cameras on buses and is now evaluating how to roll out the program. 'A robust policy/program will be developed and will ensure appropriate protections for employees' privacy,' says the report. 'Currently, all buses purchased since 2016 are equipped with CCTV cameras which staff may be able to adjust to adopt a wide -angle view that would include the operator. Older buses do not currently have cameras; however, staff will explore the feasibility of retrofitting the existing fleet.' A policy for cameras will be similar to the one that exists for voice and video recorder use on the O-Train. Staff say OC Transpo will conduct research into the recommendations for driver-facing cameras on buses, consult with all stakeholders and unions, and conduct a 'technical analysis on how to retrofit the existing fleet.' A report on the possible rollout of cameras on buses and the potential costs will be presented to the Transit Committee in the third quarter. OC Transpo also agrees with the recommendation from the coroner's inquest to investigate operator-facing cameras or other technological options that would allow for real-time feedback to transport operators 'regarding potential distraction, fatigue and unsafe driving behaviour.' Of the 60 recommendations from the coroner's inquest, 41 are directed at the City of Ottawa. The report says that based upon the initial review of the recommendations, four have already been implemented, 14 are in the process of being implemented and 23 recommendations require further analysis. One of the recommendations from the inquest was for the City of Ottawa to have a 'dedicated fleet of training buses,' saying it would 'ensure there is equal opportunity to train on all types of buses in service and during all hours where service may be offered.' The report says that 'given the current shortage of buses in the OC Transpo fleet, this recommendation cannot be implemented at this time.' OC Transpo says a reliable fleet will not be available until the final three months of 2027 as new buses enter the fleet. Staff are also working on the recommendation to lower the speed limits on approaches to the Transitway stations. 'An analysis of the cost and impacts on customers' travel experience and on operations of installing physical countermeasures and the removal of station canopies is conducted,' staff said. 'The Transitway stations identified in the inquiry are specific to the Southeast Transitway from Hurdman to South Keys stations and the Southwest Transitway from Baseline to Barrhaven Centre stations.' The recommendations that have already been implemented included the city ensuring appropriate snow removal on the approach to transit stations along the Transitway and the city including comprehensive training focused on the risks associated with distraction, fatigue and other human factors in the New Bus Operator Training Program. The coroner's inquest examined the deaths of Judy Booth, Bruce Thomlinson and Anja Van Beek when their double-decker bus crashed into a bus shelter overhang at Westboro Station on Jan. 11, 2019. None of the 60 recommendations to the City of Ottawa and the Ontario government are binding. With files from CTV News Ottawa's Ted Raymond
CBC
09-06-2025
- CBC
Streetcar 'thoroughly cleaned' after syringe spotted poking out under seat, TTC says
The Toronto Transit Committee (TTC) says a streetcar was thoroughly cleaned after a rider spotted a syringe without a cap jutting out from underneath a seat. The incident happened on Saturday around 11 a.m. on a 501 Queen streetcar that was travelling eastbound, according to the user who posted an image of the incident on Reddit, where it received hundreds of comments. The user, who asked to remain anonymous, said they informed two TTC officials who were on the streetcar as soon as they saw the syringe. The syringe was not moved or dealt with at the time, and the streetcar remained operational. The user then later reported the incident online. TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the incident was reported through the SafeTTC app. "The streetcar was immediately taken out of service and returned to the carhouse, where the syringe was safely disposed of and the car thoroughly cleaned," he said in an email to CBC Toronto on Monday. The TTC has not received any reports of injury related to the incident, he said. Green said incidents like this "are rare on transit given how many vehicles are in service at any time." "While we don't know how this got there or what it was used for, we can assure customers that as soon as something like this is seen, reported or discovered, we immediately take the vehicle out of service and do a full cleanup," he said.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
OC Transpo eyes vending machines in O-Train stations, selling merchandise to help boost revenue
OC Transpo is looking at installing vending machines in O-Train stations, expanding retail operations at stations along Lines 1 and 2 and selling OC Transpo hats and collectibles as part of a plan to boost non-fare revenue for the city's transit service. During the 2025 budget debate, council directed staff to develop a plan to increase revenue from rentals, retail leases, advertising and sponsorships by 10 per cent in 2025 and another 10 per cent in 2026. In 2024, OC Transpo generated $1.95 million in revenue through advertising on buses, in O-Train stations and on the Transitway, and another $2.5 million in revenue though advertising on digital and printed transit shelter advertising. A report for the June 12 Transit Committee meeting outlines a new 'Non-Fare Revenue Strategy,' with plans to increase revenues within the next five years, including new digital screens and advertising installations and expanding retail opportunities.. Under the proposed plan, OC Transpo expects to add $2.3 million in annual non-fare revenues, bringing the total to $6.8 million a year. 'Priority 1' for the plan includes piloting vending machines in O-Train Line 1 stations, adding new retail locations in select O-Train stations and temporary retail opportunities and pop-ups, expanding billboard advertising and accelerating the digitization of transit shelters for advertisements. Only three O-Train stations currently have a retail option for transit riders, according to OC Transpo. Happy Goat Coffee has kiosks at Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman and Blair stations. 'Priority 2' for the 'Non-Fare Revenue Strategy' includes assessing a pilot project to set up lockers as a 'last-mile partner' for third-party delivery services, looking for opportunities to monetize non-commercial spaces on transit properties and exploring the expansion of the 'Bus Charter Program' to lease out buses. The third priority includes renting out Park and Ride lots when they aren't being fully used and selling OC Transpo merchandise, gifts and collectibles. 'While revenues generated from non-fare activities are relatively small compared to the transit operating budget, they will remain a consistent source of revenue that can be reinvested in the transit system, contribute to offsetting potential fare increases, provide OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa with highly valuable in-kind advertising space, and moreover, provide other benefits for transit customers and OC Transpo,' OC Transpo says. 'New digital screens and advertising installations will showcase products, services and events to our customers, as well as provide another way for OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa to inform residents about services. Retail spaces and vending provide shopping and convenience amenities for customers as well as safety benefits from passive surveillance.' The report says OC Transpo will dedicate a team within Transit Services to focus on boosting non-fare revenues through sponsorships, advertising and rentals. There is currently no team at OC Transpo focusing on overseeing and pursue new non-fare revenue activities. Staff say the city does not anticipate meeting council's direction to increase non-fare revenues by 10 per cent in 2025 and 2026. OC Transpo is looking to boost revenue as it faces a shortfall in transit fares. OC Transpo posted a $1.7 million budget deficit in the January to March period.
