The Next Stop Blog

Project Spotlight: Expanding free Wi-Fi across Line 1 stations

If you’ve ever checked your e-mail or browsed the web while waiting at one of our stations, you probably already know how useful our free TELUS Wi-Fi network can be.

Currently installed in seven stations and counting, our free Wi-Fi network allows customers to save their data while waiting for their next bus or train.

Have you ever thought about what it takes to install a Wi-Fi network in an active train station? We try to make it look easy, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Find out how we’re expanding free Wi-Fi to all stations on O-Train Line 1.

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May 26 – LRT Sub-Committee

On May 26, the Light Rail Sub-Committee   received an update on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension project and received a detailed report on the preparations for the public opening of the system.

You can watch our update  here .

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Rail Installation on the O-Train South Extension

Spring is in the air and construction is moving ahead full speed on all three Stage 2 O-Train Extensions.

The O-Train South extension is getting closer to completion each day. We recently celebrated the Stadler FLIRT’s first journey to Riverside South in late April. As trackwork continues to progress, we’re excited to see the FLIRT travel further north.

Before this can happen, let’s check in on how rail installation is progressing on the O-Train South Extension.

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A Day In The Life - Electric Rail Controller

What happens when there is a medical emergency on a train?

Why are trains sometimes temporarily held?

How do trains know when they have to switch tracks?

Every train movement on O-Train Line 1 is carefully automated; however, sometimes there are incidents or emergencies that need troubleshooting.

Electric Rail Controllers (ERC) play an important role in helping you safely arrive at your destination.

ERCs are constantly monitoring the rail service and are ready to respond if something happens to help minimize impacts to your commute.

Let’s get to know OC Transpo’s ERCs.

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March 3 Transit Commission Update

Transit Commission heard that O-Train Line 1 and conventional bus ridership is at 62% of pre-pandemic levels and Para Transpo ridership is at 76% of pre-pandemic levels. This is a steady rise from last year and is on-par with ridership forecasts for 2023.

We are continuing to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to more O-Train Line 1 stations. In January, Pimisi Station became our fourth station to have Wi-Fi.

This spring, we’ll be continuing to educate customers about how to use the transit system and plan their commutes.  

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A day in the life: Para Transpo Operator

At OC Transpo, we are committed to providing transit services that are accessible to everyone.

Para Transpo is a shared-ride, book-in-advance, public transit service. The service is open to customers who are unable to take buses or the O-Train some or all of the time due to a disability. 

There are more than 130 operators on the Para Transpo team who provide door-to-door service.

We caught up with Sam who is one of our operators to find out what it’s like to spend a day behind the wheel at Para Transpo.

What’s a typical day for a Para Transpo operator?

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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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Introducing The Next Stop Blog

We did it. We’ve launched a blog. If it were 1999, this would be cutting edge.

We recognize the year is 2023 and a TikTok account would have been more timely. We’re not ruling that out, we just need to work on our choreography.  

We also recognize that you, our customers, have lots of questions. We’re working to rebuild your trust and we understand that communication is an important part of this journey.  

The Next Stop Blog is your destination for OC Transpo stories and explainers. We want you to get to know OC Transpo. Not a little better, but a lot better.  

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