OC Transpo warning Para Transpo customers of delays due to maintenance backlog

OC Transpo is warning Para Transpo customers to expect service delays because of a backlog of maintenance requirements among its minibus fleet.

Para Transpo customers have been dealing with increased wait times over the last few days. Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar said in a memo Thursday that the age of the minibus fleet means they are dealing with increased mechanical issues, which is affecting fleet availability.

She said new buses are expected to arrive in the new year.

"Replacement of the minibus fleet was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to very low ridership, resulting in keeping the current fleet operating longer. Council recently approved investments to purchase new Para Transpo minibuses given the age of the existing fleet, and they will begin to arrive in 2025. This measure will reduce maintenance requirements and further stabilize the fleet to provide improved service for customers," Amilcar wrote.

Amilcar said OC Transpo continues to take all new bookings and deliver trips but is also reaching out to customers to find individual travel solutions where possible.

Options include more trips with accessible taxis and contractor vans, prioritizing minibuses for customers who can't use taxis, contacting customers in advance to inform them of delays, reviewing schedules to improve efficiency, and increasing the number of minibuses undergoing maintenance at one time.

"OC Transpo has been notifying customers of delays directly through phone calls, text messages and social media. Para Transpo customers are also encouraged to use the My Para Transpo app to track or cancel their trips," Amilcar wrote. "We recognize that these service delays have an impact on our customers’ daily lives, and we appreciate their ongoing patience as we work to address this issue."

OC Transpo spokesperson Katrina Camposarcone-Stubbs tells CTV News Ottawa that Para Transpo has a fleet of 80 minibuses, approximately half of which were undergoing maintenance as of Thursday morning.

She said as maintenance is completed, more buses will be available for passengers and stressed that no one is being left behind, as staff are in direct contact with customers about alternative options for trips.