The Ward with Erin Coffin

Transit and the Ward

Erin Coffin Campaign Team Season 1 Episode 2

To thrive Ottawa needs to be able to move its residents safely, reliably, and affordably. Our transit system in its current state does not serve our needs. A renewed transit system will reduce traffic congestion, shorten our commute, make for safer roads, and contribute to a greener Ottawa.

Addressing the Shortfalls at OCTranspo

  • We need to address the problems with OCTranspo and ParaTranspo so we are able to move around our neighbourhoods and communities safely and reliably
  • We will work with the Transit Commission to re-orient OCTranspo’s routes to account for the new reality of life and work in Ottawa. This includes providing travel for more than daytime commutes to downtown: We need travel within our communities, to schools, to colleges and universities, and to places of work, such as tech and business parks, warehouses, and government offices being relocated to suburban areas
  • We will learn from the mistakes made during the procurement, construction, maintenance and operations of Stage 1 of the Confederation Line, and ensure they are mitigated in Stage 2 (already started) and avoided in Stage 3
  • Lessons learned and solutions recommended in the report from the Public Inquiry of LRT Stage 1 will be key in providing direction for these changes
  • We will ensure the city includes and enforces penalties for construction delays, failed maintenance, and outages in any agreements with private sector contractors
  • Provide transit to those who need it the most, those living on ODSP and Ontario Works, by providing them an EquiPass at no cost


ParaTranspo Parity
ParaTranspo riders deserve the same level of freedom as all riders on transit, and it is just not there for them. ParaTranspo riders have been stranded by cancelled trips and poor booking system services. To make sure our neighbours who ride ParaTranspo are rightfully able to fully participate in Ottawa life, the ParaTranspo system needs refocus and greater investment. ALL RIDERS deserve to be respected, supported, and have trust in a system that is reliable and moves them safely.