Ottawa Transit Committee Votes on Urgent Fare Hike Today

UPDATE: The City of Ottawa’s Transit Committee is poised to vote today on a contentious proposal to raise transit fares by 2.5 percent as part of the 2026 budget. This increase would push the price of an adult monthly pass to $138.50, up from $135, marking a $3.50 rise. The proposal also includes a $0.10 increase for adult single fare rides, raising concerns among OC Transpo riders about the impact on their budgets.

Riders like Ashley Mak express frustration over the proposed fare hikes. “That’s absurd,” she told CTV News, highlighting the financial strain it poses on many. The annual total cost for riders would increase by $42, a significant burden for those already facing rising expenses. “Not everybody can afford $3.50 more a month,” Mak added, emphasizing the urgent need for the committee to consider the financial realities of everyday riders.

Senior riders will see their monthly passes increase by $1.50, bringing the new total to $59.75. Long-time bus user Richard Fussell acknowledged that fare hikes are a common occurrence. “It’s going to happen every year regardless,” he stated, but he called for improvements in service to match the new prices, especially given the delays in the O-Train east extension, which have negatively affected bus services for residents in Orléans.

Many riders believe that if fares rise, service quality must also improve. “If they raise the prices, I think the buses should be a little faster, cleaner, and more reliable,” Mak argued. Jacelyn Sear, another commuter, expressed skepticism based on her 25 years of experience riding the transit system, questioning whether fare increases would lead to tangible improvements.

Rider Aton Biakabutuka suggested that, if the fare increases lead to cleaner buses and enhanced security, it would justify the additional expense. He remarked, “$3.50 is not a lot of money being added towards those added benefits for passengers.”

As part of the proposed budget, OC Transpo is set to manage a total budget of $938.7 million for 2026, which includes an 8 percent increase in the transit levy impacting property taxes.

The Transit Committee is scheduled to vote on these proposals on Monday, putting the spotlight on the urgent need for both fare increases and improved service. As the city grapples with balancing budgetary needs and rider expectations, the outcome of this vote could significantly affect the daily lives of Ottawa transit users.

With significant changes on the horizon, riders are left hoping for a transit system that not only charges more but also delivers better service in return. The implications of this vote will resonate throughout the community, making it imperative for all stakeholders to stay informed and engaged.