The first of OC Transpo’s new Para Transpo minibuses is rolling out

A new seven-metre Para Transpo minibus. (Courtesy: OC Transpo)

OC Transpo says the first of its new Para Transpo minibuses is now on the road.

The new seven-metre minibus first arrived in February but has been undergoing inspections, testing, and driver training.

In a post on social media, OC Transpo announced Monday the new minibus has hit the streets.

“Our first 7-metre Para Transpo bus is now on the road — and it might be picking you up soon,” OC Transpo said. “This is just the beginning, as more are on the way.”

OC Transpo has ordered 76 new seven-metre buses to update the Para Transpo fleet, and six new six-metre buses.

According to OC Transpo, the new seven-metre buses come with up to 10 seats, up to three wheelchair spots, O-payment readers and air conditioning. The seats come with seatbelts and stability belts, the back and side door ramps are slip-resistant, and there are onboard security cameras on each bus.

The back ramp can support mobility devices up to 86 centimetres (34 inches) wide and up to 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds). The back ramp can support the same width and devices up to 363 kg (800 lbs.), OC Transpo says.

“The new seven-metre minibuses are very comparable to the existing minibus fleet and have the same safety features. They also have onboard cameras that our current fleet does not have,” an OC Transpo spokesperson said in an email to CTV News Ottawa.

The new seven-metre buses are slightly smaller than the current buses Para Transpo is using. They are eight metres long and can seat up to 14 riders, but have the same capacity for wheelchairs.

Last December, OC Transpo said Para Transpo minibuses were experiencing increased mechanical issues due to the age of majority of the fleet.

“These older vehicles require additional repairs that are often more complex and take longer to complete,” a memo said.

As of last December, Para Transpo had a fleet of 80 minibuses, which were 10 years old.

In addition to the seven-metre buses, OC Transpo says five of the six new six-metre buses are already in operation.

“The new six-metre minibuses are smaller in size but offer increased flexibility for maneuvering in urban areas. They have the same safety features as our current fleet and will also have onboard cameras.”

Replacement of the fleet was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staff said, but is now underway, with the first new buses arriving this year.