OC Transpo Faces Reliability Challenges Despite Service Enhancements

OC Transpo continues to struggle with reliability, failing to meet its performance targets despite recent efforts to improve service. The transit authority’s metrics remain stagnant, even after the hiring of new drivers and mechanics, the extension of the O-Train service, and the implementation of a new bus route redesign.

Councillor Riley Brockington expressed concerns at the recent transit commission meeting, stating, “We’re not seeing progress in our on-time performance metrics… despite clearing all these major hurdles.” The challenges facing OC Transpo are multifaceted, stemming primarily from an aging fleet and increasing traffic congestion in Ottawa.

Current Fleet and Performance Issues

According to transit commission chair Glen Gower, OC Transpo requires 519 buses in service to adequately meet the needs of its riders this fall. Currently, only 511 buses are operational on an average day. In April, when the bus route redesign was launched, OC Transpo needed a minimum of 540 buses available but could only field 521.

The situation has been exacerbated by the age of the fleet; approximately half of OC Transpo’s 738 buses have surpassed their useful lifespan. Gower noted that this leads to more frequent breakdowns and longer repair times. “That means runs will be cancelled, and there are limited spares available for when something goes wrong. There’s no margin for error,” he added.

On a given day, about 30 percent of the fleet is out of service, a figure Gower indicated should ideally be closer to 20 percent. Staff reported that 120 buses are off the road daily due to “daily defects,” while another 42 buses are in the garage for maintenance for over 30 days.

Impact of Traffic and Construction

Traffic congestion continues to pose significant challenges to bus reliability. Gower highlighted the detrimental effects of ongoing construction projects, particularly the east LRT development, which has restricted access to bus-only lanes on the Transitway. This congestion forces buses to share lanes with regular traffic, resulting in increased delays.

“The construction of the east LRT is definitely having an impact on Highway 174, and when there is vehicle congestion, it affects buses,” Gower explained. He also noted a troubling trend: as OC Transpo’s reliability falters, more commuters are opting to drive instead, further worsening traffic conditions.

With the O-Train service reportedly running reliably, Gower acknowledged the urgent need for the bus network to regain rider confidence. “We’ve got a lot to do to win back the confidence of riders,” he stated.

Future Improvements and Investments

To address the aging fleet, OC Transpo is facing delays in the delivery of new electric buses, which are primarily affected by manufacturing and supply chain issues. Currently, the fleet includes 30 e-buses, with 21 in service each day. The city has approved a $974 million plan to acquire 350 e-buses by the end of 2027, with funding coming from various sources including municipal funds and federal incentives.

The first four e-buses arrived in 2022 as part of a pilot program, followed by the addition of 26 new buses this year. Another 19 e-buses are expected to join the fleet in November. Gower noted challenges in the industry, stating, “There are so many transit agencies ordering electric buses at the same time, and I don’t think the industry was quite ready for that.”

Delays are also impacting the installation of necessary electrical infrastructure for charging stations, which has postponed the commissioning of a new substation until April 2024. This delay could hinder OC Transpo’s ability to support the expected influx of e-buses later this year.

In a bid to bolster its fleet, the city has purchased an additional 11 used diesel buses, which are scheduled to enter service later this year. OC Transpo is also planning to procure 50 diesel-powered high-capacity articulating buses with anticipated delivery in 2026 and 2027.

Councillor Wilson Lo recently introduced a motion calling for all bus procurements in 2026 to be diesel or diesel-electric hybrids. He cited concerns about the untested capabilities of high-capacity e-buses, which influenced a shift from procuring both 60-foot and 40-foot buses to exclusively 40-foot models.

While Gower expressed reservations about halting e-bus purchases, he acknowledged the importance of diversifying the fleet. “So far every indicator is that electric buses we’ve been procuring have been performing very well,” he said.

OC Transpo continues to navigate these challenges with an eye toward improving service reliability and restoring public trust in its transit system. As the city works to modernize its fleet and infrastructure, the path to enhanced transit service remains complex yet essential for the community’s mobility.