OC Transpo Faces Unreliable Week: Discover the Most Cancelled Bus Routes
OC Transpo, the public transit service in Ottawa, has recently faced a significant crisis with a high rate of bus cancellations. Over the period from January 4 to January 10, the service struggled with a shortage of buses, leading to the cancellation of approximately six percent of all scheduled bus trips. Some of the busiest routes experienced even more severe disruptions, with cancellation rates reaching above ten percent.
Most Affected Bus Routes
The downtown routes particularly impacted by cancellations include:
- Route 5
- Route 6
- Route 7
- Route 11
- Route 12
- Route 14
These routes have consistently ranked among the least reliable options in OC Transpo’s monthly assessments. Coun. Ariel Troster, representing the downtown area, expressed that the situation is “unacceptable,” while Coun. Shawn Menard from Capital ward reported receiving numerous complaints from residents about lengthy wait times and repeated cancellations.
System-Wide Impact
During this week of turmoil, buses were sometimes canceled consecutively, forcing passengers to wait over an hour. OC Transpo stated that such drastic measures are taken only as a last resort under severe circumstances.
The service’s issues are compounded by further announcements regarding the removal of train cars from Line 1 of the O-Train. Metal deterioration on critical components has raised concerns about overcrowding on trains and platforms.
Local Council Reactions
Coun. Marty Carr, who represents Alta Vista, noted a surge of frustration among constituents over bus reliability. She called for an immediate response to the ongoing issues. Routes 41, 44, and 98, which also traverse her ward, have been affected, with Route 98 recording the highest cancellation rate at thirteen percent.
Reasons Behind Cancellations
OC Transpo attributed the high cancellation rates to its aging bus fleet and a shortage of mechanics. Many buses require complex repairs, making them unavailable for service. Menard has urged the agency to acquire additional used buses promptly and suggested reallocating mechanics from other city departments to assist with repairs.
City Response and Future Plans
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe assured the public that OC Transpo is treating the reliability crisis as a priority, emphasizing that rectifying the situation takes time. The city has been looking into partnerships with external companies for specialized repair work and has received positive news regarding the procurement of used buses.
While OC Transpo aims to stabilize bus service, residents continue to express concern about the current state of public transit. Local officials maintain that immediate action is necessary to address the challenges confronting OC Transpo and restore the reliability of its bus routes.
