In a move that's raising eyebrows among taxpayers, OC Transpo has invested $192,000 in purchasing used buses from California, with additional costs for towing them nearly 4,000 kilometers back to Ottawa. This unconventional procurement strategy comes as the city grapples with ongoing transit challenges and budget constraints.
The Cross-Country Bus Caravan
The transit agency acquired two pre-owned buses from the Golden State, but the expenses didn't stop at the purchase price. Transporting these vehicles across the continent required specialized towing services, adding significant costs to what might initially seem like a budget-friendly solution.
Questioning the Financial Logic
Critics are questioning the wisdom of spending nearly $200,000 on aging transit vehicles that require expensive long-distance transportation. The total investment includes not just the acquisition cost but also the substantial expense of moving the buses from their West Coast location to Canada's capital.
A Pattern of Used Vehicle Purchases
This isn't OC Transpo's first foray into the used bus market. The agency has previously acquired vehicles from other transit systems, including purchases from London, Ontario. This latest acquisition from California represents a significant expansion of their search radius for second-hand transit solutions.
The Bigger Transit Picture
The controversial purchase occurs against the backdrop of Ottawa's broader transit challenges, including ongoing discussions about service reliability, fleet modernization, and the financial sustainability of public transportation in the post-pandemic era.
Transit commissioners and city officials now face tough questions about whether buying used buses from distant locations represents smart fiscal management or a questionable use of public funds that could be better invested in long-term transit solutions.
