OC Transpo establishes new taskforce, doubles R1 bus capacity to reduce crowding

OC Transpo is establishing a new taskforce, expected to help make adjustments as necessary to its R1 bus service and respond to issues raised by city councillors and customers.

The taskforce will be made up of dedicated staff from across the city's transportation department. 

OC Transpo has been running its R1 emergency bus service in place of the O-Train, along the city's Confederation Line, since a train derailed near Tremblay Station on Sunday, September 19.

Since then, the city has heard a number of complaints about a lack of buses and overcrowding on the ones that have been available.

The transit service is responding by doubling its R1 bus capacity. 

General Manager of Transportation Services John Manconi says the direct-to-downtown routes from Blair Station worked well over the peak period on Tuesday, September 21, and OC Transpo is continuing to adjust where there are heavy customer volumes.