New numbers suggest transit ridership increase in Ottawa

New OC Transpo ridership numbers were shared at the City of Ottawa Transit Commission meeting Oct. 10 which show an increase in ridership year-over-year.

Revenue sales are up 27 per cent in Sept 2024 compared to the same month last year. More post-secondary students are also now eligible for a U-Pass.

All ridership levels are up. Weekday bus boardings increased four per cent, weekday O-Train Line 1 boardings increased 11 per cent and ParaTranspo ridership increased 14 percent over the same period.

The data also showed that the number of vehicles parked at park-and-ride lots is up 12 per cent.

OC Transpo has served more riders each month this year compared to 2023.

One key element the City of Ottawa is looking to focus on is reliability and ridership experience. Bus on-time performance has remained relatively stable around 79 per cent.

The federal government’s return to work mandate also shows promise for a greater increase in ridership.

OC Transpo is also closely watching the numbers from its final stages of testing on the O-Train Line 4 and Line 2 expansion before it can be opened for public service.

The trains must achieve an on-time performance of 98.5 per cent over a 14-day rolling average. “On time” means the arrival and departure must be within 30 seconds of the scheduled time.

After 11 days, the average score is 99.5 per cent.