OC Transpo 2022 draft budget features 2.5 per cent fare increase

Although OC Transpo plans to keep EquiPass and Community Pass fares the same as they've been since 2018, general fares could see slight increase in 2022.
 
Ottawa's Transit Commission tabled OC Transpo's 2022 draft budget on Wednesday, November 3, based on an increase in ridership to 82 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

It includes: 

• A 2.5 per cent regular fare increase effective January 1 (which equals about a 10 cent bump in fare price).
• No service expansion on all modes of transit.
• Savings of $11-million resulting from the continuation of the temporary service reductions which began in mid-2021.
• Inflation and a cost-of-living adjustment.
• An increase of $3.9-million for maintenance of fare control and other software supports. 

Staff also provided a summary of transit and customer service investments included in the draft budget, including: 

• $55-million to replace 74 40-foot buses, which are expected to be zero-emission battery electric buses
• $17.4-million to support the operational transition to the Stage 2 O-Train expansions.
• $9.6-million in improvements to transit stations and bus stops, including new and improved bus pads, shelters, and other customer amenities.
• $8-million to ensure Wi-Fi and cellular service for customers in the Stage 2 expansions (as part of a cost-sharing agreement with TELUS).
• $500,000 in accessibility improvements at Transitway and O-Train stations.
• $625,000 for a proposed marketing campaign to encourage ridership following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• $11-million in customer service initiatives and upgrades to improve service levels, reliability and customer engagement.
• $250,000 in technology to improve customer-facing systems, including octranspo.com. 

It was confirmed to the Transit Commission that in 2022, OC Transpo will be relying on assistance in the form of one-time government funding to cover $60.6-million in expected costs and pressures relating to COVID-19, including reductions in fare and advertising revenues, anticipated reductions in provincial gas tax funding, and increased staffing and supplies for enhanced cleaning and personal protective equipment. 

If funding is not received, the City of Ottawa says its staff will look to financial mitigation strategies before then, if necessary, preparing plans for consideration by the Transit Commission and City Council, in-line with the guidelines approved by Council in April.
 
OC Transpo’s 2022 Draft Budget will be considered by the Transit Commission on November 17, and then by City Council on December 8.