Transit Commission meeting - November 20, 2019

The Transit Comission received a status update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, as well as the resulting changes, issues and problem being experienced on the O-Train and the bus network since the #ReallyBigServiceChange of October 6, 2019.

Important Points from the presentation:

Ongoing Improvements

Trains

• Strap hangers orders have been placed and 500 units are due shortly;
• 500 units will enable almost half the fleet to be equipped;
• The remaining strap hangers will start being installed upon receipt;
• Dates are being finalized with RTG / RTM.

Stations

• Tunney's Pasture Canopy to be completed first week of December; and,
• Sewer repair work adjacent to Parliament station is scheduled for completion by November 25 (potential cause of the odour at Parliament Station).
• O-Train Ambassadors (red vest) program will continue
• Mats installed at Lyon, Parliament and Rideau stations;
• Cleaners on duty throughout the service period to clean stairs and flooring; and,
• Anti slip coating of stairs and flooring in these stations began on November 14 and is scheduled for completion by November 29.

• Hurdman Station Pedestrian Bypass Lane with coverage Work scheduled between November 16 and 22 with scaffolding to be in place by November 29; and,
• Platform markings are complete at 3 stations, full platform marking installation scheduled for completion by early December (weather permitting).

Improving Bus Service Reliability

• OC Transpo has created a dedicated fleet of 20 buses to support R1 bus replacement service during peak commutes;
• By creating a dedicated fleet, R1 bus replacement operations can be implemented without impacting reliability across the transit network;
• The 20 buses will be available as of the first week of December;
• Operators are being assigned to these buses so as to not impact existing service; and,
• Staff are working with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to use the Highway 417 bus
• The 417/174 ramp and Lees Avenue ramp will not be closed.

Audio Recording of the meeting. (Confederation Line and Bus Service Update)

Press Release from the Transit Commission.
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Commission approves OC Transpo's 2020 Draft Budget and improvements toPara Transpo online services

Today, Transit Commission approved OC Transpo's 2020 Draft Budget, received a report outlining the implementation of Para Transpo online services and received an update on transit services, including O-Train Line 1.

Enhancing transit service

Highlights of the 2020 Draft Budget include:

• $7.5 million investment for bus service, including 19 new buses
• $2 million for increased Para Transpo service
• Three-month freeze on all transit fares
• One-year fare freeze for EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass

• $440,000 incremental cost for EquiPass and Community Pass will be funded through the Community and Social Services Department budget
• Minimal incremental cost for Access Pass will be funded through the City's Transportation Services Department budget

• Continued capital investments across all aspects of the service

The 2020 Draft Budget will be considered by City Council on December 11.

Transit Commission also received a report on Para Transpo's online services implementation plan.The report outlines how online services will be delivered to customers, including enhanced features such as online trip-tracking.

OC Transpo will implement online services for Para Transpo customers in two stages:

• In stage one, an interim online booking system will be available to a test group by the end of 2019, and will be available to all customers in early 2020. This interim solution will allow customers to avoid the phone queue while OC Transpo works with a software supplier to develop a robust online solution.
• In stage two, a full suite of online services will be released in phases to Para Transpo customers by the end of 2020.

The full suite of online services will provide Para Transpo customers with a self-serve option to access a variety of Para Transpo services, such as making a next-day or subscription booking, on a computer or mobile app. It will also enable customers to track their booked trip and receive an estimated time of arrival, based on vehicle location data.

Transit Commission also received an operational update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service. The update outlined Line 1 station enhancements, increased rail and bus service reliability, improvements to customer communications and a preview of winter operations.

OC Transpo announced adding 20 dedicated buses that will be on standby during peak periods to support R1 bus replacement service, when needed. These dedicated buses will ensure that OC Transpo can implement R1 bus replacement service without impacting transit reliability across the system. These 20 new buses will be in service the first week of December.

Source : City of Ottawa

The presentations that were shown at the meeting.

-O-Train Confederation Line and Bus Service Update-

-Para Transpo Online Services Implementation Plan Update-

-2020 Transit Budget-