Training on how to present at Transit Commission

Several groups, including the Ottawa Transit Riders are collaborating on a training session to give people support if they want to attend the next Transit Commission meeting in September. Come join like-minded people as we discuss how to push back against the LRT cut-backs.

Training Session - TUESDAY, August 20th

 

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Why reduce LRT service?

Why is OC Transpo planning to reduce LRT frequency in September just as students go back to school and public servants are forced to increase the number of days in the office?

News has leaked that OC Transpo plans to reduce the frequency of the LRT during “quiet” parts of the day, basically between 9am and 3pm.

Here's how often LRT, subways run during midday, nonpeak periods across Canada Ottawa councillor concerned O-Train service changes part of a 'death spiral of public transit' | CTV News

OC Transpo to cut midday LRT service frequency to 10 minutes OC Transpo to cut midday LRT service frequency to 10 minutes | CBC News

Horizon Ottawa has launched a petition to call on the city and OC Transpo to rethink their plans; you can sign and share it: TAKE ACTION: Reverse cuts to the LRT! - Horizon Ottawa

 

A rally to protest this reduction is being planned – keep watching this website for details.

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Survey about dedicated bus lanes in the Glebe

The Glebe is a fantastic, vibrant neighbourhood with lots of interesting one-of-a-kind stores. Lansdowne market is a draw as are sporting events like women’s hockey (PWHL), soccer, and football.

But, as anyone who has visited recently knows, the Glebe is dealing with severe traffic problems and frequent gridlock.

The city has launched a survey to solicit opinions about how to make getting around the Glebe a little easier. We encourage our members to participate in this survey. Please note that if none of the options seem like a good idea, you can always write comments about what you think would make the Glebe better.

Survey

The deadline is Tuesday, July 31st.

The Ottawa Transit Riders will always support better bus infrastructure such as dedicated bus lanes that are a tried-and-true solution to gridlock.

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Trillium line questions

The Trillium line – the diesel powered train that will run North-South to the airport has been delayed again. The Ottawa Transit Riders’ official position is that safety is a paramount concern. If the train is not ready, it should not be launched.

Trillium Line opening still 8-10 weeks away, maybe longer

However, delay after delay is testing the public’s patience. The previously functional O-train that ran from Bayview to Greenboro, through Carleton University, was shut down in May 2020, supposedly for two years. Spare a thought for students at Carleton University who may have expected a convenient train for at least part of their period of studies.

The train will be more than two years late when it finally re-opens.

Here are some articles about the frustration:

Trillium Line delayed again, no firm opening date | CBC News

Trillium Line LRT opening delayed again, City of Ottawa subcommittee is told

Train léger : nouveau retard pour le prolongement de la ligne vers l’aéroport

While we do not know why this project is far behind, we note that this is another example of a P3 (public-private partnership) which progressive groups have long complained is an ineffective, unreliable, and expensive method for building public infrastructure.

Public-Private Partnerships have no place in Canada’s Post-COVID “Just Recovery”

'Disastrous' LRT experience should end public-private infrastructure projects, says Ontario NDP

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At Lansdowne Market on Sunday

You might like to know that members of the Ottawa Transit Riders will be staffing a table at the Lansdowne Market on Sunday, July 28th.

Come by and say “Hi!”

Lansdowne Market - Ottawa Farmers' Market (ottawafarmersmarket.ca)

Vous aimeriez peut-être savoir que des membres du groupe des usagers de transport en commun d'Ottawa tiendront une table au Marché fermier de Lansdowne le dimanche 28 juillet.

Venez nous rendre visite et dire « Bonjour ! »

Marché Lansdowne - Marché des fermiers d'Ottawa (ottawafarmersmarket.ca)

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Transit in the news

OC Transpo has been in the news recently. Here are some articles that might be of interest.

The Federal government has announced its new permanent transit fund, but some transit advocates are disappointed that it fails to cover operational funding.

Federal $30 billion fund may not be enough to save struggling transit services, critics warn Federal $30 billion fund may not be enough to save struggling transit services, critics warn | CBC News

Trudeau outlines details of $30B, 10-year fund for public transit Trudeau outlines details of $30B, 10-year fund for public transit | CBC News

OC Transpo is testing the new trains that will run on the Trillium line (south to the airport), but they have not committed to a launch date yet. Considering the problems that we experienced when the LRT was launched before it was ready, the Ottawa Transit Riders is pleased that OC Transpo is being cautious. The train will launch when it is ready.

'We are not ready to start trial running': OC Transpo will not commit to opening date for Trillium Line OC Transpo will not commit to opening date for Trillium Line in Ottawa | CTV News

Ottawa's LRT testing has a troubled past. Here's how it'll work with the Trillium Line Ottawa's LRT testing has a troubled past. Here's how it'll work with the Trillium Line | CBC News

An inquest has been called to examine what went wrong in the horrible bus crash at Westboro.

Inquest called into 2019 Westboro bus crash Inquest called into 2019 bus crash deaths | CBC News

OC Transpo has bought some electric buses.

OC Transpo acquires 51 electric buses from Nova Bus OC Transpo acquires 51 electric buses from Nova Bus | Belleville Intelligencer

 

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Results from Stittsville Transit Forum

On June 12, the Ottawa Transit Riders hosted a transit forum at the Stittsville legion. Transit Chair Glen Gower attended along with local residents, including some who take Para Transpo.

The conversation was spirited and lively – participants talked about common issues such as infrequent buses and poor connectivity. Several people mentioned the effect of poor transit on their children – travelling to and from local colleges and universities can be a challenge.

Councillor Gower presented the group with details about upcoming changes which are clearly informed by his conversations with local riders.

Here is a copy of the report. "Stittsville Forum"

We are planning a transit forum in Barrhaven in September and a student-focused forum at Carleton University in the Fall. Keep watching this space for dates – we intend to visit other neighbourhoods as well.

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Report on Para Transpo Challenge

In 2024, we challenged the mayor and all city councillors to ride Para Transpo with a Para Ambassador. The challenge was a success - we had a good response from many councillors.

Sad that the mayor was not willing to participate.

Here is the report on "what we heard".

En 2024, nous avons mis au défi le maire et tous les conseillers municipaux d'utiliser Para Transpo avec un ambassadeur Para. Le défi a été un succès - nous avons eu une bonne réponse de la part de nombreux conseillers.

Il est triste que le maire n'ait pas voulu participer.

Voici le rapport sur "ce que nous avons entendu".

 

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Main Street market on Saturday

You might like to know that members of the Ottawa Transit Riders will be staffing a table at the Main Street Market (Grande Allée Park, near St Paul’s University) on Saturday, June 29th.

Come by and say “Hi!”

Main Street Market - Ottawa Farmers' Market (ottawafarmersmarket.ca)

Stop #7636 is serviced by the 5 and 55 buses. Stop #5824 is serviced by the 16 and 56 buses.

Vous aimeriez peut-être savoir que des membres du groupe des usagers de transport en commun d'Ottawa tiendront une table au Marché fermier de la rue Main (parc de la Grande Allée, proche de l’université St-Paul) le samedi 29 juin.

Venez nous rendre visite et dire « Bonjour ! »

Main Street Market - Ottawa Farmers' Market (ottawafarmersmarket.ca)

L'arrêt n° 7636 est desservi par les bus 5 et 55. L'arrêt n° 5824 est desservi par les bus 16 et 56.

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Pimisi station closed for Canada Day AGAIN

The mayor is complaining again that Pimisi station will be closed for Canada Day: Canada Day: O-Train Pimisi Station to be closed to transit riders on July 1 | CTV News

Pimisi station was built in a location where we have big events - Canada Day, Bluesfest, and hopefully one day hockey at an NHL-sized arena.

Sadly, it is poorly designed to handle large crowds.

In this case, authorities are closing the station for security reasons, but how in the world was this station built and approved without considering these issues?

Public consultations would have flagged these problems before the station was built.

We should be consulted on the new stations currently under construction in order to apply lessons learned from phase one. It’s quicker and easier to fix things before stations are finalized.

Sadly … this city hasn’t learned any lessons.

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