OC Transpo is looking for ways to reduce spending in 2024 to deal with low ridership and a multimillion fare revenue shortfall, including aligning bus routes to "current ridership levels."
"Ridership and fare revenue continue to be lower post-pandemic because many downtown office workers are working from home or are working a hybrid schedule."OC Transpo is projecting a $35 million shortfall in fare revenue in 2024 due to the post-pandemic ridership levels. Staff developed the 2023 transit budget with an expected ridership of 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, which included a projected $39 million budget deficit.
OC Transpo launched a Bus Route Review in the spring, with staff saying it would "help inform the future of OC Transpo's bus system." Recommendations for possible changes to bus routes are expected to be presented to the Transit Commission this fall. "Staff are continuing to review all 2024 financial pressures and are taking economies where available."