OC Transpo: Performance, budget, and LRT Line 2/4
A recap from yesterday's Transit Commission and next steps for the LRT launch
A grab bag of OC Transpo updates during a busy transit week.
My OC Transpo dashboard
Updated with info presented at yesterday’s Transit Commission. (You can also find this at glengower.ca/octranspo)
The transit budget
Our Transit Commission spent over eight hours on Monday talking about OC Transpo’s proposed $856-million budget for 2025. Operational costs are rising from year to year due to factors like inflation, wages, new train service on LRT Lines 2 and 4 to the south, and the launch of Line 1 service to Trim in 2025.
There are new investments for rail operators and bus maintenance personnel to improve reliability; increases in Para Transpo service including replacement of mini-buses; purchasing new electric buses; and additional funding from the provincial government for more special constables to ensure safety.
We also approved a new fare chart, with most fares increasing by 5%. That brings a single-ride adult fare to $4, with an adult pass to $135. EquiPass, Community Pass, and Access Pass fares will remain frozen. These are all deeply-discounted programs for low-income customers and people with disabilities.
Transit Commission approved a motion to maintain free transit for seniors on Wednesdays, and adjust the Senior monthly pass to $78.50, a 42 per cent discount of the Adult monthly pass price. There will likely be additional motions on this at City Council when the final budget is decided on December 11.
I put together this chart to show the proposed cost of fares and passes in a few different categories.
The latest on LRT Line 2/4 launch
Just a few minutes ago, GM Renée Amilcar confirmed that TransitNext has achieved Substantial Completion of Line 2/4.
OC Transpo will hold a dress rehearsal on November 30 with staff and their families to test the operations of Lines 2 and 4 as a simulation of in-service conditions.
OC Transpo will hold a technical briefing on December 6 for members of Council to provide additional details, including the long-awaited launch date for the new service.
We’re almost there.
