Staff Report #3
September 25, 2024
To All Commissioners
Re: 2024 Service Plan Implementation – Conventional Transit
Recommendation
The report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
Effective September 1, 2024, all service changes approved by the Commission at the March 27, 2024 meeting were implemented. In addition, the previously approved frequency increases on Route 24, carried over from the 2022 service plan approvals were also implemented.
Overall, the 2024 service changes have been well received, with limited customer contacts received related specifically to the changes that have been implemented.
Service changes were implemented on Route 19 to address ongoing schedule adherence concerns along the route. Even with the increase in traffic and boardings with the return to fall service as well as construction and other external factors which have negatively impacted schedule adherence across the system, the service changes have had a positive impact on on-time performance on Route 19. Prior to the implementation of the service changes, Route 19 had an average on time performance of 69% since the start of September on time performance has improved to 77% and is anticipated to continue to increase as construction projects conclude.
Routing modifications were introduced on Routes 17 and 20. Route 17B was expanded further into Riverbend to operate along Riverside to Oxford and Route 20 was extended into the Oakcrossing neighbourhood during all operating periods (previously only weekdays until 6 pm). Both of these routing changes have been well received in the communities and ridership increases are being experienced in both neighbourhoods.
Frequency increases were implemented on Route 10 during the peak periods to reduce the headway to 16 minutes during this time. Due to three major construction projects that are ongoing along the route (see Staff Report #5 dated September 25, 2024) as well as the impacts on all traffic around Western University as a result of the strike, the improved frequency has not had the positive impact that was intended. Route 10 is experiencing significant schedule adherence issues resulting in buses being delayed and unable to maintain the scheduled frequencies. Noting this, the increased frequency has added additional buses to Route 10 during the busiest periods which has helped to reduce crowding conditions along the route, even with delayed buses.
Over the next few weeks, Planning staff will be undertaking additional assessments of the service changes including the impact on customers with respect to service quality issues. A more detailed assessment of the impact of the 2024 service plan changes will be included in the final 2025 Annual Service Plan report scheduled to be presented at in the first quarter of 2025.
Recommended by:
Katie Burns, Director of Planning
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager