Para Transpo: Maintenance backlog delaying passenger trips [Video]

OC Transpo is warning Para Transpo customers to expect service delays because of a backlog of maintenance requirements among its minibus fleet.

Para Transpo customers have been dealing with increased wait times over the last few days. Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar said in a memo Thursday that the age of the minibus fleet means they are dealing with increased mechanical issues, which is affecting fleet availability.

She said new buses are expected to arrive in the new year.

“Replacement of the minibus fleet was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to very low ridership, resulting in keeping the current fleet operating longer. Council recently approved investments to purchase new Para Transpo minibuses given the age of the existing fleet, and they will begin to arrive in 2025. This measure will reduce maintenance requirements and further stabilize the fleet to provide improved service for customers,” Amilcar wrote.

Amilcar said …