Staff Report #2
April 27, 2026
To All Commissioners
Re: 2026 Work Program – General – First Quarter Update
Recommendation
The report be RECEIVED for information.
Background
The following report is provided as an update on projects as set out in the 2026 Work Program that were scheduled to commence and/or be completed in the first quarter, that are categorized as initiatives that impact all departments.
3.4 – City of London – London Transit Reviews
Reports on three of the City of London review (LTC Route Review, Rapid Transit Readiness Review and Subsidized Fare Review) have been completed with reports from civic administration on the April 21, 2026 agenda of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee. It is anticipated that the findings of the Governance Review will be included on the May agenda for the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee.
8.1 – Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA) Membership
London Transit Administration is represented on the Board of Directors of OPTA, and are also active participants in the various OPTA Committees (Human Resources & Operations, Planning & Scheduling, Marketing, Maintenance, Customer Service and Labour Relations, etc.). Participation in this Association allows for the sharing of lessons learned and best practices across the Province.
OPTA also undertakes advocacy with the Ontario provincial government with respect to funding and legislative issues impacting public transit services. Most recently OPTA has engaged with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in an effort to gain a better understanding of the intent of a number of provisions included in Bill 98 relating specifically to transit noting Bill 98 proposes:
- Increased provincial authority over fares, service integration, and priority routes
- Mandatory participation in unified fare and booking systems for Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) systems
- New cross-boundary service requirements, including for specialized transit
- Expanded reporting and oversight requirements
OPTA supports enhancing regional transit integration and improved cross-boundary service for riders and as such does not oppose the stated goals of Bill 98. OPTA members are however united in the view that:
- Enabling legislation of this scope must be narrowed to reflect its stated purpose (cross-boundary integration versus broad ministerial control over all aspects of local transit)
- Any provincial mandate must come with full, predictable, and sustainable funding versus unfunded obligations downloaded to local transit agencies
- Transit agencies must have meaningful input before regulations are drafted, not consultation after the fact
- Democratic oversight of local transit must be preserved noting transit committees (and/or) Commissions must retain authority over fares and levels of service within their jurisdiction.
OPTA is working with members and partners, analyzing the potential impacts of the legislation, and engaging with government to better understand intent. Additionally, OPTA is working to clarify the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) position with respect to these provisions in an effort to align messaging where possible. OPTA is also preparing to engage in the legislative process, including at Committee as the bill is reviewed, to ensure member perspectives are reflected and to advocate for meaningful consultation and practical implementation.
8.2 – Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Membership
London Transit Administration is represented on the Board of Directors of CUTA, and are also active participants in the various CUTA Committees (Workforce Development, Technical Services, Advocacy and Government Relations, Zero-Emission Bus, Labour Relations, etc.). Participation in this Association allows for the sharing of lessons learned and best practices across the country. CUTA works closely with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to ensure alignment on issues where applicable.
CUTA has continued to work on advocacy relating to the Canadian Public Transit Fund (CPTF) and associated amendments that were included as part of the federal budget. The CUTA Board of Directors has resolved the following with respect to the CPTF:
- Affirms the importance of stable, predictable, and long-term federal investment in public transit infrastructure
- Calls upon the Government of Canada to restore the approximately $5 billion removed from the Canada Public Transit Fund, returning the full $30 billion, ten-year commitment to a dedicated federal transit funding envelope that cannot be diluted, redirected, or absorbed into broader infrastructure funds
- Urges the Government of Canada to establish and publicly commit to a concrete implementation timeline for federal transit funding without further delay — recognizing that every week of inaction translates into deferred projects, escalating costs, disrupted procurement pipelines, and harm to transit agencies, municipalities, and the Canadian manufacturing and supply chain sectors that depend on funding certainty to operate
- Calls upon the Government of Canada to immediately initiate bilateral negotiations with provincial and territorial governments on Canada Public Transit Fund funding agreements, recognizing that the conclusion of such agreements is a critical precondition to funds flowing to transit agencies and municipalities
- Supports a national advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of federal transit funding certainty and the operational impacts of funding instability on transit systems across Canada
These calls to action have been shared with the Federal Government and will be subject of a communication campaign going forward. Should there be an opportunity for advocacy directly from the Commission, a report requesting same will be tabled.
8.3 – Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) Membership
London Transit is a member of CUTRIC and participates in a number of their committees and working groups, primarily relating to new bus technologies (Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell). In addition to providing a forum to share lessons learned and best practices with respect to new and evolving technologies, CUTRIC also undertakes advocacy at both provincial and federal levels with respect to funding to support bus fleet transitions.
10.15 – Zero Emission Bus Implementation Strategy
London Transit is participating in a joint procurement for a turn-key solution for the supply and installation of up to ten electric buses, five depot chargers and one opportunity charger. Given the turn-key nature of this RFP is new to the industry, potential bidders have posed numerous questions all of which require response and then adequate time for follow-up questions. The request for proposal remains open, noting the close date has been extended to July 20, 2026 at the request of proponents participating in the process. There will be a second site visit at the Wonderland facility scheduled for May 6, again at the request of proponents participating in the process.
Following the close, participants in the joint procurement will assess the bids and select a winning bid. Based on the known timelines, it is anticipated that a report will be tabled with the Commission in third quarter 2026 seeking approval for a contract award, following which a contract will be finalized. Until such time as the contract is awarded, it is not possible to determine a delivery date for the buses and related infrastructure; however, based on current delivery timelines being experienced, it is anticipated that delivery will be 18-24 months from date of purchase order. Retrofits at the Wonderland facility will be undertaken in 2026/27 to provide the ability to service and maintain the new buses.
10.16 – Highbury Facility Reconstruction Project
A two-stage Request for Qualification process has been initiated to identify a Consulting Engineer/Architect to act as the Prime Consultant for the demolition and replacement of the Highbury Transit Facility. The first stage has closed, and initial submissions have been scored. Those moving to the second stage will be advised in the coming weeks, and will be provided the opportunity to submit a full submission including pricing. It is anticipated this process will see a recommendation for contract award in the second quarter of 2026.
Recommended by:
David Butler, Director of Operations – Conventional
Shawn Wilson, Director of Operations – Specialized
Katie Burns, Director of Planning
Mike Gregor, Director of Finance
Craig Morneau, Director of Fleet & Facilities
Joanne Galloway, Director of Human Resources
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager