Union calls for ‘serious, honest’ review of Ottawa’s transit system

An OC Transpo bus is seen in this undated file photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

The union representing OC Transpo drivers is calling on the City of Ottawa to conduct a “serious, honest review” of the transit system, warning the service is “spiralling deeper into dysfunction.”

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 279 issued a statement as negotiations get underway between the union and OC Transpo on a new contract.

In April, OC Transpo launched the New Ways to Bus, a sweeping redesign of the transit system designed to shorten bus routes and connect more riders to the O-Train and in neighbourhoods.

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Some transit riders have raised concerns about the new system, saying they have longer commutes to work or school. The union is raising concerns about the new system, saying the latest release of schedules “reinforces the chaos” on the transit system.

“Riders are frustrated. Operators are exhausted. And yet, the voices of those most impacted continue to be ignored,” the union said.

ATU president Noah Vineberg there needs to be a review of the transit system, and the city needs to listen to riders and workers.

“For years, we’ve heard promises of New Ways to Bus – promises of innovation, better service, and a transit future we could believe in,” Vineberg said in a release.

“But we lived through unrealistic schedules and a system spiralling deeper into dysfunction for both riders and workers.”

The union submitted a petition to Wednesday’s Council meeting “requesting a collective agreement that addresses higher wages and proper compensation, better working conditions and work/life balance.” The union said the petition was submitted “as part of a transparent process” to bring “urgent transit issues to the attention of local decision-makers.”

“This is about putting fundamental needs and public service back at the center of the conversation,” Vineberg said. “ATU members remain united and committed to ensuring their voices — and the voices of transit riders — are no longer brushed aside.”

According to the union, the current contract expired on March 31.