Transit commission gives the green light to OC Transpo draft budget
Posted Feb 10, 2023 03:00:00 PM.
The city's transit commission has approved the OC Transpo draft budget for 2023, a $706-million spending plan that cuts the number of buses and freezes fares.
The draft budget passed during a more than eight-hour marathon meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9.
While the some savings were realized for the budget, the city admits that it's counting on receiving at least $39-million in provincial funding.
Savings include the conclusion of enhanced COVID-19 touchpoint sanitization requirements and a plan to cut the current fleet from 855 buses down to 738 – a move the city claims will not impact service. The city said the buses being removed are not required to meet current service levels and are nearing the end of the useful lifespan.
The budget also includes freezes on OC Transpo and Para Transpo fares for this year, while the cost of the EquiPass for low-income residents and the Community Pass for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients will remain frozen at 2018 rates. The transit commission also passed a motion to extend free transit service to children 12-years-old and under starting July 1, 2023, as the free service is currently only available to children seven-years-old and under.
As for investments, the budget includes expanding OC Transpo's zero-emission bus program, hiring 360 new operators, and the upcoming launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4.
The city also recognized a number of areas that continue to cause budgetary pressure:
- Ridership levels continuing below pre-pandemic levels
- The 2023 fare freeze
- Inflationary costs such as diesel fuel, wages, and vehicle parts
- The upcoming launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4
- Legislative changes to the Canada Labour Code
The draft document will go before city council on Wednesday, March 1.
“It's a good budget in a year where have had some budget challenges,” said Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower, who also serves as the chair of the City's transit commission on The Sam Laprade Show on Feb. 10. “We approved a budget with no cuts to services.”
Listen to the full interview with Coun. Glen Gower below:
