This week’s Transit Highlights showcase initiatives aimed at encouraging ridership and improving the customer experience across Canadian public transit. OC Transpo is reporting increased ridership following its free transit weekend in Ottawa, while Transit Windsor is introducing a new digital fare management system to make paying for transit more convenient and accessible.

OC Transpo sees ridership increase during free transit weekend

OC Transpo recorded a 28 per cent increase in ridership during its free transit weekend on September 26 and 27 compared to a typical fall weekend. The initiative allowed residents and visitors to travel free on buses, O-Train lines and Para Transpo while attending events across Ottawa. O-Train Line 1 saw particularly strong demand, with ridership increasing by 57 per cent, representing approximately 45,600 additional customer trips. The results highlight how fare-free initiatives can encourage transit use and support access to community events.

Transit Windsor launches new digital fare management system

Transit Windsor officially launched its new Umo fare management system on October 5, providing riders with more convenient and flexible ways to pay for public transit. Through the Umo Mobility app, passengers can purchase fares, reload funds, manage their accounts and access trip planning and real-time transit information. Riders can also use reloadable Umo cards or continue paying with cash. The $3.53-million project represents an investment in modernizing the transit experience, with existing smart cards remaining valid until December 31, 2026.

Together, these initiatives highlight how transit agencies are working to improve accessibility, convenience and the overall rider experience. From encouraging more people to use public transit through fare-free initiatives to introducing modern payment technologies, Canadian transit systems continue to explore new ways to better serve their communities.