September 18, 2024City CouncilMeeting 42

Referral of Motion – Councillor J. Leiper – Restoring 5-minute headways on Line 1

Council was asked to

that: OC Transpo collect and analyze ridership data at the current service frequency to assess the impact on overall ridership levels and transit system efficiency and return to Transit Commission within three months with an analysis of ridership trends and patterns, impact on revenue and operational costs, an assessment of any other operational efficiencies and cost-saving measures, and the impact of any federal or provincial investment in transit, and make a recommendation about future service levels at that time.
staff continue to monitor the data and commit to increase service, as soon as operationally feasible, to align service levels with ridership demand when it increases.
the Mayor continue to engage with federal and provincial governments to secure fair and adequate funding for public transit, emphasizing the critical role of transit in the city’s economic recovery, environmental sustainability and to maintain service levels to match ridership demand.

Carried

14 for, 11 against

there is a forecasted $25 million deficit for transit in the 2024 budget and a $120 million deficit for transit in the 2025 budget
overall ridership on OC Transpo is substantially reduced from pre-pandemic levels, which has had a severe impact on revenues
demand for light rail service is lower during off-peak times
it's critical that OC Transpo resources are applied to where demand is greatest
City of Ottawa staff are committed to finding a balanced approach that minimizes the financial burden on residents while maintaining essential transit services
staff continue to explore all possible avenues to ensure the long-term sustainability of OC Transpo
Confederation Line 1 service has been reduced under delegated authority to 10-minute headways during weekday off-peak hours, as compared to 5-minute headways during peak hours
the City of Ottawa is facing significant funding pressures impacting transit, with a structural deficit for public transit averaging $140 million per year over the next five years, and a deficit of $120 million for 2025

This entry was transcribed from the City Clerk's official minutes. If anything here looks wrong, the minutes are the authority.