The transition to electric transport has stalled, and diesel buses are aging and there is no one to replace them. By January 2025, 55% of the bus fleet will exceed 15 years of service, says director Rami El-Feghali

The problem is that it takes more money and effort to maintain older buses. And spare parts are becoming harder to find. OC Transpo had planned to have 70 electric buses on the road this year, but due to delays caused by the pandemic, there are only four so far. The first 13 new buses are expected by the end of October, with another 16 not expected until 2025.

The critical situation comes as students and government workers return, increasing ridership. Councillor Jeff Leiper expressed concerns that a shortage of buses could create problems as ridership recovers. OC Transpo is exploring options to buy new or used buses to bolster its diesel fleet until the electric buses arrive.

Anastasia Chupina