As the fall season picks up, transit systems across Canada are making big moves to improve service, modernize fleets, and reach new milestones on major infrastructure projects. Here’s a look at what’s happening in Ottawa, Edmonton, and Toronto.

Para Transpo Expands Fleet with New Minibuses

Para Transpo is expanding its fleet, with 24 of 82 new minibuses already delivered to Ottawa this summer. Of these, 20 are now in service, helping fulfill trips, keep schedules on track and improve the rider experience.

Before each vehicle hits the road, it goes through a two- to three-week inspection and installation process, which includes a full engineering review and the addition of equipment like radios and fare card readers.

The new fleet brings major upgrades, including extendable ramps, securing devices, slip-resistant floors and improved lighting, reflecting just how far Para Transpo vehicles have come since the 1970s.

Edmonton’s West LRT Line Hits Major Construction Milestone

In Edmonton, the viaduct structure for the West LRT Line is now complete, marking a key step forward for the project. Over the summer, construction crews installed 224 precast concrete segments along 87th Avenue in under 180 days, using a specialized gantry crane to minimize traffic disruptions.

While work will continue through the end of construction season, most remaining activity will be at height, with little impact at street level. The gantry crane will soon be dismantled and removed from the site.

Local businesses have felt the effects of construction, with merchants along Stony Plain Road reporting revenue drops of 3 to 5 percent due to closures and reduced accessibility. Still, many remain optimistic that the new line will bring long-term growth and revitalization to the area once it opens.

TTC Boosts Service on Line 2

The TTC is increasing service on Line 2 to pre-pandemic levels starting October 12, as more workers return to the office. Trains on the Bloor-Danforth line will run every 2.5 minutes during morning rush hour, adding capacity for about 6,000 more riders during peak periods.

Bus service on several routes, including 72 Pape, 73 Royal York and 94 Wellesley, will also be boosted to improve connections and increase frequency.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the service increase reflects the city’s commitment to improving transit reliability. TTC Chair Jamaal Myers emphasized “getting the basics right” for commuters, while CEO Mandeep Lali noted this is just the first of several service increases planned for this fall.

The change comes as in-office mandates for major employers like BMO, RBC, TD, Scotiabank and Rogers are expected to drive ridership growth. Riders and advocates have welcomed the news and are calling for continued improvements system-wide.