OC Transpo’s On-Demand Transit Success Leaves Para Transpo Riders Behind OC Transpo, Ottawa’s public transit agency, has hailed its on-demand transit service as a success, with high ridership and positive feedback. However, not all transit users are sharing in this triumph. Para Transpo riders, who rely on accessible transportation, are feeling increasingly left out. On-demand transit, launched in 2020, allows riders to book rides in advance through an app or phone call. The service operates in suburban areas where traditional fixed-route transit is impractical. OC Transpo reports that on-demand ridership has grown significantly, with over 1 million trips taken in the past year. While on-demand transit may provide greater convenience to some riders, it has not addressed the accessibility challenges faced by Para Transpo users. Para Transpo provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use regular transit. However, the service is often unreliable, with long wait times and frequent cancellations. “I feel like I’ve been abandoned,” said one Para Transpo rider. “I used to be able to get to my appointments and socialize with my friends, but now I’m stuck at home because I can’t rely on Para Transpo.” Advocates for people with disabilities have criticized OC Transpo for prioritizing on-demand transit over Para Transpo improvements. They argue that the agency has not provided sufficient resources or invested in technology to make Para Transpo more accessible and efficient. “On-demand transit is a great option for some people, but it’s not a substitute for accessible transportation for all,” said a spokesperson for the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. “OC Transpo needs to focus on making Para Transpo a viable option for everyone who relies on it.” OC Transpo officials maintain that they are committed to providing accessible transportation for all riders. They note that the agency is working to improve Para Transpo service and is considering investing in new technology to enhance reliability. However, Para Transpo riders say they have heard these promises before. They want to see concrete actions and a real commitment to addressing the accessibility gap that continues to hinder their lives.

The on-demand transit pilot in Blackburn Hamlet, utilizing Para Transpo minibuses, has proven successful according to OC Transpo officials. The pilot allowed riders to book same-day or next-day trips at bus stops in the area, or to and from Blair station and the Gloucester Centre, via an app or phone call.

The on-demand transit pilot in Blackburn Hamlet, utilizing Para Transpo minibuses, has proven successful according to OC Transpo officials. The pilot allowed riders to book same-day or next-day trips at bus stops in the area, or to and from Blair station and the Gloucester Centre, via an app or phone call.

While the pilot received positive feedback, Para Transpo users are questioning the inequity in service levels. They are unable to book same-day trips despite its popularity among on-demand transit users.

Despite improvements such as an online booking system, Para Transpo users like Sally Thomas express the need for further enhancements to match the convenience offered by OC Transpo’s conventional bus service.

OC Transpo has indicated an increase of 7,000 Para Transpo riders in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, a trend expected to continue. However, riders like Thomas have witnessed a decline in service quality over the years as ridership has increased.

The on-demand transit pilot in Blackburn Hamlet is scheduled to end on June 23, 2024.

Para Transpo riders, who rely on the service for essential trips such as medical appointments and grocery shopping, have been left frustrated by the lack of on-demand service. They say the current system is unreliable and often leaves them stranded, forcing them to cancel or reschedule important appointments. “It’s really frustrating,” said one rider, who asked not to be identified. “I’ve had to cancel doctor’s appointments because I couldn’t get a ride.” Another rider said she was left stranded at a grocery store for over an hour, waiting for a ride that never came. “I had to call a taxi to get home,” she said. “It’s not fair that we’re being left behind.” OC Transpo says it is working to improve the on-demand service, but riders say they are tired of waiting. “We need a reliable service that we can count on,” said one rider. “We’re not asking for much.”