Across Canada, transit agencies are rolling out new initiatives, celebrating milestones, and embracing innovation to better serve riders. From major service boosts to family traditions on the road, here are some of this week’s highlights.

TransLink Launches Biggest Bus Service Expansion Since 2018 to Ease Overcrowding

TransLink is boosting service on 53 busy Metro Vancouver bus routes to address overcrowding and the largest expansion since 2018. CEO Kevin Quinn said the move comes despite a $600-million operating deficit, with funding covered through alternative revenue sources.

Three Generations Behind the Wheel: The McMullins’ Legacy at London Transit

For the McMullin family, bus driving with London Transit isn’t just a job, it’s a tradition spanning three generations.

It began with Glenn McMullin’s grandfathers, who collectively drove for nearly five decades. Glenn’s father, Ronald, followed, serving 44 years before retiring in 2020. Since 2001, Glenn has carried the family legacy forward, often crossing paths with his father on London streets.

Beyond the personal history, both men witnessed the evolution of the transit system: from 35-foot buses without air-conditioning to today’s 60-foot articulated, fully accessible fleet. Ridership has grown dramatically, reflecting the city’s expansion and new services.

For the McMullins, driving isn’t just about buses, it’s about family, stability, and a shared passion for being part of London’s transit story.

STO Turns to AI to Boost Bus Reliability with $1M Predictive Maintenance Project

Gatineau’s Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) is partnering with U.S.-based Preteckt on a $1-million, three-year project to install AI-powered sensors on its bus fleet. The system will monitor engines in real time, detect potential failures in advance, and improve service reliability for riders.

STO hopes to have all buses equipped by 2026, a move aimed at addressing challenges from its aging fleet while awaiting provincial funding for electrification.

From expanding service in Metro Vancouver to honouring family traditions in London and embracing AI-driven innovation in Gatineau, these stories highlight the dedication, resilience, and creativity shaping Canadian transit. Each step forward not only strengthens local systems but also builds a more reliable and connected future for riders nationwide.