OC Transpo's ongoing delays spark calls for transparency and accountability

OC Transpo has faced ongoing issues with delays, cancellations, and unreliable real-time tracking in 2026. These problems have disrupted service for around 300,000 daily users, with long waits and missing buses becoming common. A new motion aims to address the lack of transparency around undelivered trips. Between 4 January and 7 March, OC Transpo cancelled 4,799 trips due to a shortage of available drivers. On 5 January alone, over 800 scheduled buses did not run. Extreme weather, mechanical failures, and low operator availability have worsened the situation.

In February, the service delivered only 96.5% of planned trips, falling short of its 99.5% reliability target. Students like Symah Mbaga, a founding member of Carleton Transit Riders, have been left stranded by sudden cancellations. She noted that wait times are already excessive and snowfall makes the problem worse.

Councillors Rawlson King and Riley Brockington have proposed a new communication protocol to improve transparency. If approved, OC Transpo staff will weekly share details on temporary or recurring cancellations, reliability trends, and scheduling changes. City council will also seek ways to ensure real-time tools update service changes quickly and accurately. The motion could bring more accountability to OC Transpo’s operations. Weekly reports on cancellations and reliability would help passengers plan their journeys better. The city hopes these steps will reduce confusion and improve trust in the service.