The City of Ottawa is officially looking for a new person to manage the transit system. An executive search is now underway for a new general manager of Transit Services, as the current GM, Renée Amilcar, formally leaves her role on Friday. “The goal is to find an experienced leader with extensive public transit experience who will ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable transit services to residents, while advancing major city-wide transformational transit projects,” City Manager Wendy Stephanson said in a memo, sent Monday. Amilcar’s departure as the head of OC Transpo was announced in June. She came to Ottawa in October 2021, after having previously served as executive director of bus services for the Société de Transports Montréal. According to the job posting, the City of Ottawa is looking for someone with at least 10 years of experience in public transportation, including oversight of both bus and rail operations within a complex public organization, Crown corporation, or private sector corporation. “A key priority will be to enhance customer and community trust in transit services, focusing on improving the overall user experience. You will implement strategies aimed at increasing ridership, ensuring that the transit system is a reliable and valuable resource for the community,” the posting says. “You will also be responsible for maintaining effective communication with government officials and community groups to advocate for transit needs and ensure community concerns are addressed appropriately.” Amilcar leaves OC Transpo at a time when the transit system is facing significant budgetary pressures and reduced ridership that has yet to fully recover from its pre-pandemic levels. Work on the Stage 2 extension of O-Train Line 1 remains ongoing, with the eastern extension not expected to open until the end of the year and the western extension still at least 18 months away. During her time in Ottawa, she oversaw the launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 and a major bus system overhaul, dubbed “New Ways to Bus.” Amilcar is leaving Ottawa to head up the newly formed Mobilité Infra Québec organization, which will oversee transportation infrastructure projects in the province. Troy Charter, director of Transit Service and Rail Operations, will serve as interim general manager of Transit Services while the city looks for a replacement for Amilcar. “The Mayor and Members of Council will be advised on the outcome of the recruitment process for the new GM of Transit Services once it is complete,” Stephanson said. She did not say how long the search might take.
