Ottawa City Council is set to debate a significant proposal that could make public transit more accessible and affordable for young riders and those with lengthy commutes. A motion, recently passed by the city's transit committee, calls for the introduction of free fares for youth and a temporary extension of the transfer window during peak afternoon hours.
Proposal for Free Youth Transit
The motion, championed by Councillor Steve Desroches of Riverside South-Findlay Creek, proposes offering free transit for riders aged 18 and under on weekends and public holidays. The estimated annual cost for this initiative is $240,000.
Furthermore, the proposal asks OC Transpo staff to explore the feasibility of extending these free fares to weekday evenings after 5 p.m. for the same age group, which would carry an additional estimated cost of $190,000 per year. In a move to support another demographic, the motion also includes a provision for seniors aged 65 and over to receive four free rides per month on the Para Transpo service, at an annual cost of approximately $152,000.
Temporary Relief for Long Commutes
Recognizing the challenges faced by commuters, especially following the New Ways to Bus route overhaul, the motion suggests a temporary solution for the transfer window. It proposes extending the current 90-minute transfer window to 105 minutes on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
This measure is designed to assist riders, particularly those traveling from downtown to western communities like Barrhaven, Kanata, and Nepean, whose single trips sometimes exceed the time limit, forcing them to pay a second fare. Councillor David Hill of Barrhaven West highlighted this pressure, noting that commutes from Gatineau or other areas requiring a transfer often push riders past the 90-minute limit when they board their local bus.
This extended transfer window is intended as a temporary measure that would expire after the launch of the LRT Stage 2 west extension to Algonquin Station and Moodie Drive, scheduled for 2027.
Funding and Next Steps
The motion, which was carried during the November 24 transit committee meeting, proposes that the total estimated cost of $712,000 for these new initiatives be absorbed from within the existing OC Transpo departmental budget. This approach aims to implement the changes without requiring new funding sources.
The proposal will now move to the full Ottawa City Council for consideration. If approved, these measures could mark a substantial shift in making public transit more equitable for youth, seniors, and residents with long commutes across the city.
