Para Transpo users are being warned to expect continuing delays over the holidays as the transit service grapples with a rash of breakdowns in its minibus fleet.
In a memo issued Thursday morning, Ottawa’s manager of transit services Renée Amilcar wrote that the shortage of vehicles used to transport passengers with disabilities has led to an increase in wait times. It’s expected the service delays could take two weeks to “stabilize.”
Para Transpo is now relying on taxis and vans to save the dwindling number of available minibuses for riders who specifically require them, Amilcar said.
The city is also bringing in outside help to deal with the repair backlog and get the buses back in service, she said.
Amilcar said a vehicle replacement program was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to low ridership. New minibuses are due to arrive next year, she said.
As of late spring, the city said it had 80 Para Transpo minibuses in service.