Bus passengers in need of a coffee may be able to grab one at transit stations next year.
Last week, the transit commission approved a request by the chairperson, Coun. Diane Deans, for a review of coffee kiosks at the stops.
“I know personally when I get on the bus I want a cup of coffee” she says, adding that “it’s a matter of convenience.”
Deans is optimistic that kiosks could work in Ottawa.
Toronto already serves coffee in some bus stations, which has proved very popular.
Gateway Newstands, a company that sells merchandise such as newspapers and snacks, has 12 stands in Toronto that sell coffee.
One kiosk alone has an annual revenue of more than $165,000 a year.
If the plan to sell coffee in Ottawa goes ahead there could be kiosks at Bayshore, Lincoln Fields, Hurdman, Blair and Orleans stations, among others.
A small convenience store sells coffee already at Blair Station, but it’s not popular with OC Transpo users.
A shop worker says only two or three customers come in each day and coffee is not sold regularly.
“It is hard to get a cup of coffee when you are transferring on buses,” she says. She also says she would not be tempted to buy a hot drink while on the move.
But other people are more enthusiastic about the idea.
Calvin Reid, a 24-year-old student at Carleton University, transfers at the Hurdman Station every day.
“I often have a coffee while waiting for the bus to school. If I knew there was a kiosk waiting at my regular bus stop I’d say I’d be much more likely to use it.”
The findings from the review for coffee kiosks will not be published until next year.