LRT problems could slow some transit priorities, commission told

OC Transpohas laid out a list of a dozen priorities for the coming year, but the ongoing LRT problems could knock some of them off track.

The to-do list, presentedduring Wednesday's transit commission meeting, includes everything from introducing a smartphonebooking app for Para Transpo to rolling out the city's first electric buses.

But transit boss John Manconisaid some of theprojects included in the 2020 business plan might have to wait while the consortium in charge of fixing the problems plaguing the Confederation Line scrambles to fix them.

"There are risks, and it's directly related to, does [Rideau Transit Maintenance] deliver what they're supposed to deliver, and how much time and energy is the entire [OC Transpo] organization spending on that?" Manconi told the commission.

OC Transpo staff have been seconded from other departments and consultants have been hired to deal with the dozen projects for 2020, some of whichwere "backlogged" because ofthe Confederation Line's issues, Manconi noted.

Better booking for Para Transpo

It comes as the city is finally ready to improve its booking system forPara Transpo customers, who for years have been frustrated by an unwieldy phone booking system.

Starting Feb.21, they'll be able to submit an online form tobook or cancel trips the day before, and will receive confirmation by email.

• Online booking coming to Para Transpo by end of 2020

The "full suite" of online services is on tap by the end of 2020, said OC Transpo's Pat Scrimgeour, although he didn't provide a specific date.

That will include new apps for iPhone and Android, same-day booking and instant confirmation, and GPS tracking of accessible minibuses and taxis. However, aplan to allowPara Transpo riders to tap Presto cards could be delayed because of the LRTdistractions, Scrimgeour said.

Performance measures

OC Transpo also plans to overhaul how itmeasures its performanceso it can better detect trends and areas it needs to improve.

The city is about to issue a tender to buy twoelectric buses, to be in service byDecember. Meanwhile, staff will look into thefeasibility of moving theentire fleet to electric, and will report back by the end of 2021.

OC Transpo also plans to install self-serve Presto kiosks atvarious Transitwaystations and city buildings, and will look at the possibility of allowingriders to tap credit cards when they board a bus or train.

The city will also workwith Gatineau on itslight rail plans, and will embark on a new marketingcampaignto build ridership.