OC Transpo explores ‘creative’ ways to expand non-fare revenue

The Happy Goat coffee shop at Tunney’s Pasture LRT station has been popular for Transpo users. Photo by ASHLEY FRASER /POSTMEDIAArticle content

In an effort to expand revenues, OC Transpo is looking at adopting several creative options, including OC merchandise, coffee kiosks and parcel delivery.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

A report to be presented to the city’s transit commission on June 12 highlights several revenue sources the agency is looking at to introduce more revenue to address Transpo’s staggering $120-million shortfall, but also appeal to transit riders on the go.

Article content

Under the plan, OC Transpo would add $2.3 million in annual non-fare revenues.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

In 2024, advertising only accounted for 2.5 per cent of OC Transpo’s total revenues.

Article content

Transit Commission Chair Glen Gower said that, with several LRT stations open and expansion underway, they’re becoming “high-traffic stations,” which is an opportunity for the city to look into more advertising revenues.

Article content

The proposal outlines three priorities in order of how city staff plan look into the opportunities.

Article content

“Priority 1” would be a plan to expand billboard advertisements, installing more vending machines and a retail program expansion, which includes coffee kiosks and “pop-ups.”

Article content

Currently, Happy Goat Coffee is the only “retail option” for transit riders, available at Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.

Article content

“I often pick up the coffee at Happy Goat at Tunney’s Pasture station on my way into work,” said Gower, who is councillor for Stittsville. He also spoke of ideas of bringing in small grocery stores and convenience stores for people looking to get meals on their way in and out of the city.

Article content

“As more people use transit, there’s more of a market, and maybe, there’s some interest there,” Gower said.

Article content

Third-party parcel delivery, which is considered a “Priority 2,” includes assessing a project to set up lockers at busy transit stations. Gower says this could be a convenient opportunity for people to pick up and drop off parcels and mail during transit hours.

Article content

“It’s just trying to find some creative use of the stations and meet people where it’s convenient,” he said.

Article content

“Priority 2” also looks at monetizing non-commercial spaces and reviewing the rates and expansion of the Bus Charter Program.

Article content

“Priority 3” focuses on introducing transit merchandise, including gifts and collectibles, and renting out Park and Ride spaces when they are not in use, which has been used in the past for events like farmers markets and local events.

Article content

Gower said the inspiration for OC Transpo merchandise came from assessing what other cities worldwide had done, such as Vancouver, Toronto, New York and London, U.K.

Article content

“In Ottawa, I’ve had people ask if there’s anywhere they can get a toy bus for their child or grandchild,” Gower said. “Beyond revenue, merchandizing could help promote the (transit) system a little bit more.”

Article content