Six new diesel trains for $59 million – that's what OC Transpo officials proposed to Ottawa's transit commission Wednesday.
"We're looking for pretty much the name thing as what we have," said transit manager Alain Mercier. "We want to increase frequency so more trains on the track means moving more people."
The proposal would mean coming close to doubling the current service with riders being able to catch a train every eight minutes instead of every 15.
Mercier said OC Transpo can afford the trains because it will be buying fewer buses when Hurdman station gets shutdown for light rail construction in 2014.
David Jeanes of Transport Canada says the O-Train has been on a financial diet for too long.
"Nothing has been spent since the original line was set up. We've had no increase in service since 2003," said Jeanes.
There is also another pitch by councilor Diane Deans to expand the O-Train system south towards Leitrim Road.
"If we're going to be making a nearly $60 million investment in new train sets anyway, the synergy is there to get on with it now," said Deans.
The proposal to buy new trains will be made public on June 14. The transit commission will receive a formal presentation one week later.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley
