OC Transpo needs new snow day schedules, says union
The head of the union representing OC Transpo drivers says bus service during the snow storm on Wednesday was complicated by scheduling problems.
Flexibility in the scheduling of buses was a key issue in the two-month OC Transpo bus strike four years ago. But Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279 president Craig Watson said it might actually make more sense for drivers to be more flexible during big snow days.
More than 200 OC Transpo buses got stuck or were delayed during Wednesday's storm. There were also about 20 collisions involving city buses.
During rush-hour, many riders were delayed for more than an hour.
Watson said articulated buses can be a problem in the snow because they have issues on slippery hills and when they try to make sharp turns.
Those buses should be limited to certain routes during storms, said Watson.
"On these days, it might be better to pull back some of the service so we don't jam up the city," he said.
Articulated buses needed in rush hour, OC Transpo says
That could mean the union allows OC Transpo to dictate more driver and bus scheduling during snow days, Watson added.
OC Transpo head John Manconi said the 285 articulated OC Transpo buses are the fleet's work-horses, carrying more passengers than other buses, which is crucial on the busier commuter routes.
But Manconi said he is willing to listen to any ideas the union has that might lessen delays.
"We'll certainly listen to any ideas as part of the debrief," said Manconi. "We have a scheduling committee that looks into those things. We'll talk."