OC Transpo Opts for Refurbishment Over Retirement for Aging Bus Fleet
In a strategic move to bolster its transit capabilities, OC Transpo has announced plans to refurbish more than 30 articulated buses that have exceeded their standard 15-year useful life cycle. Rather than decommissioning these vehicles as originally scheduled for 2026, the transit authority will invest in major refurbishments to extend their service by an additional three to five years each.
Standby Capacity for Service Disruptions and Severe Weather
According to Rami El Feghali, director of bus operations and maintenance, these refurbished buses will serve as standby vehicles. This standby capacity is deemed essential for managing service disruptions, major weather events, and temporary fluctuations in transit demand. El Feghali emphasized that this approach provides OC Transpo with greater flexibility, particularly during the ongoing transition to a new fleet of zero-emission electric buses.
"During a transition of this scale, we need additional standby capacity in the fleet so that we can respond to scenarios such as major weather events, service disruptions or temporary fluctuations that either take buses out of service or require more buses on the road," El Feghali stated during an April 9 transit committee meeting.
Supporting the Electric Bus Transition
The refurbishment initiative aligns with OC Transpo's broader efforts to integrate electric buses into its fleet. Currently, Ottawa has 109 electric buses, with 90 available for service and training. The city has acquired 68 chargers, with an additional 36 being commissioned. By the end of 2026, OC Transpo expects to have 234 e-buses and 193 active chargers, progressing toward a goal of 354 e-buses and 329 chargers by the end of 2027.
El Feghali noted that the electric buses are performing well, having accumulated over two million kilometres. This has resulted in significant environmental benefits, including a savings of 930,000 litres of diesel fuel and a reduction of 2,360 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The daily average of e-buses in service increased from nine in early January to 62 by the end of March, indicating a positive upward trend.
Infrastructure and Fleet Management Updates
To accommodate the new charging stations, renovations are underway at the St-Laurent garage. Additionally, construction on a new parking garage is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion scheduled for the end of 2027. While OC Transpo continues to pursue second-hand diesel buses to supplement its fleet during the transition, the refurbishment of older articulated buses offers a cost-effective solution to maintain service reliability.
This refurbishment strategy not only extends the lifespan of existing assets but also supports OC Transpo's commitment to sustainable transit solutions. By balancing the introduction of electric buses with the refurbishment of older vehicles, the transit authority aims to ensure seamless service for Ottawa residents while advancing its environmental goals.
