Transit systems in eastern Canada are making significant strides to improve rider experience, safety, and sustainability. From digital tools and bus stop infrastructure to fleet electrification, recent announcements from Timmins, Charlottetown, and Ottawa show how municipalities are investing in the future of public transit.

Timmins Riders Get Free Premium App Access

Transit riders in Timmins are getting a tech upgrade—at no extra cost. The city has announced free access to Transit Royale, the premium version of the popular Transit app. This enhanced version offers features like real-time bus tracking, trip planning, mobile payments, and personalized ride reminders.

By removing the subscription barrier, Timmins aims to improve service reliability and make transit more user-friendly. Riders can now plan their trips more efficiently, receive alerts when to leave or transfer, and enjoy a more seamless commuting experience. It’s a move that reflects how digital tools are becoming an essential part of modern transit systems.

Charlottetown Invests in Bus Shelters and Accessibility

In Charlottetown, the focus is on the rider experience at the stop itself. The city is committing $100,000 annually over the next five years to install more bus shelters across the capital region. Currently, only about 45 shelters serve roughly 400 bus stops—leaving many riders exposed to P.E.I.’s unpredictable weather.

Councillor Mitchell Tweel described the investment as “truly a necessity,” especially as the city continues to grow. The plan includes six to nine new shelters each year and improvements to accessibility at existing stops. Experts agree that shelters are among the top priorities for transit users—not just for comfort, but for safety and dignity. With an aging population and a growing emphasis on active and sustainable transportation, these shelters are more than just infrastructure—they’re a commitment to inclusivity and public service.

OC Transpo to Expand Its Electric Fleet

Ottawa’s OC Transpo is accelerating its shift toward zero-emission transit. The agency has placed a major order for 124 battery-electric buses from New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group. These 40-foot Xcelsior CHARGE NG™ buses are set to be delivered in 2026 and will bring OC Transpo’s total electric bus fleet to 175 vehicles.

This investment builds on a long-standing relationship between OC Transpo and New Flyer, which has delivered more than 1,100 buses to the capital over the past 35 years. The purchase is supported by funding from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the federal Zero Emission Transit Fund. This move supports Ottawa’s broader goals of providing quieter, cleaner, and more efficient public transportation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and modernizing fleet operations across the National Capital Region.

Whether through tech innovation, infrastructure upgrades, or electrification, these investments show how Canadian cities are adapting to meet the needs of today’s transit users and preparing for tomorrow.

As communities continue to grow and climate goals become more urgent, these local initiatives offer scalable solutions for a more inclusive, sustainable, and reliable transit future.