The Next Stop Blog

Blast from the pass

Is it embarrassing to get excited about a transit pass?  

No, we didn’t think so either.  

A customer recently turned in a very special transit pass from the year 2000.  

Not only was it from the first month of the year, but it was the very first pass issued of the millennium!   

That’s right – transit pass 0001. 

Our jaws dropped when seeing the excellent condition of this historic pass. We immediately added it to our archives.  

This made us wonder, what other vintage transit passes do we have kicking around? 

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Have you met our newest train?

There’s a new train in town.  

Have you met the FLIRT? 

Also known as the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train, the FLIRT is our newest train that is currently undergoing testing on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension. In the near future, customers will be able to ride our newest trains between Bayview Station and Limebank Station in Riverside South on the future expanded Line 2

Let’s get to know our new train a little better. 

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OC Explained: Zero Emission Bus Project

Less greenhouse gas emissions, same great service and lower operating costs.

That’s exactly what OC Transpo is working toward as we transition our bus fleet from diesel to electric.

On February 1, Council approved our plan to proceed with adding 26 zero emission buses (ZEBs) in 2024. We also received approval to move ahead with facility upgrades that will help charge and maintain our growing electric bus fleet.

This is an important project and we’re excited to tell you more about it.

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Making it easier for people with guide dogs to travel on public transit

This bus will find its new home at CNIB’s Canine Campus, which is a 158-acre rural property and the national training facility for CNIB Guide Dogs. Pictured are left to right: Miriam Mas (CNIB), OC Transpo Accessibility Specialist, Kathy Riley, OC Transpo General Manager, Renée Amilcar, Ben Francis (CNIB) and Shona Kemp (CNIB).

A decommissioned OC Transpo bus is on its way to CNIB’s Canine Campus in Carleton Place, creating a new life and purpose for a bus that once transported thousands of customers across Ottawa. After many years in service, this bus will now help CNIB Guide Dog Trainers enable future guide dogs to learn the procedures for boarding, traveling, and exiting public transit.

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Tracking Progress: Stage 2 East Extension East meets O-Train Line 1

Construction at Blair Station to connect O-Train Line 1 to Stage 2 East Extension, early October 2022.

Over the weekend, O-Train Line 1 was officially introduced to its east extension. Stage 2 crews successfully connected the rail of O-Train Line 1 with the O-Train East Extension near Blair Station.

East end customers in Beacon Hill, Blackburn Hamlet, and Orléans are one step closer to seeing trains being tested in their community.

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OC Transpo’s newest Bus Operators are ready to hit the road

Ten new Bus Operator graduates celebrate the completion of their training (October 21, 2022)

After spending six weeks learning the ins and outs of safely driving a bus, OC Transpo is handing over the keys to another class of successful Bus Operator graduates.

OC Transpo’s recruitment campaign is on target to hire 290 Bus Operators by the end of the year. Special efforts to hire additional Bus Operators will continue as part of OC Transpo’s ongoing commitment to provide reliable bus service to customers.  

Are you interested in driving for OC Transpo?

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