CITY HALL – The Transit Commission was today advised that OC Transpo was the first Canadian transit agency to join the American Public Transportation Association’s Health and Safety Commitments Program, the North American public transportation industry’s overarching pledge to customers that transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the Health and Safety Commitments Program, visit APTA.com.

An operational update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service was presented today.

“Rideau Transit Group (RTG) has met the requirement to provide 15 trains on O-Train Line 1 during the morning peak periods since Sept. 8,” city staff released in a statement. “The city will continue to review the progress of RTG’s rectification work into the fall.”

OC Transpo’s fall service changes took effect on Aug. 30 and OC Transpo continues to work closely with all four school boards and the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority and the Consortium de transport scolaire d’Ottawa to adapt to the revised school schedules. 

Fare payment by tapping a credit card is being fast-tracked and will be tested starting at the first O-Train fare gate by the end of 2020.

The 2020 Transit Operating and Capital Budget Status Report and the COVID-19 Financial Mitigation Strategies were also presented to the Commission. The City recommended that a report be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation seeking additional funding to support Phase 2 of the Safe Restart funding program.  The report on Delegation of Authority contracts awarded for the period of July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 was also provided to the Commission.

“OC Transpo will continue with its health and safety measures to help protect against COVID-19, including mandatory masks for customers and staff, enhanced cleaning and signage, and a proactive campaign for mask compliance in early October,” staff said.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 311 (TTY: 613-580-2401).