An Ottawa court has handed down a one-year jail sentence to a former Para Transpo driver found guilty of sexually exploiting a vulnerable passenger — a case that raises serious questions about rider safety on the city's specialized transit service.
What Happened
The former driver, identified as Aung Thowai, was convicted of showing a passenger an explicit sexual video, hugging and kissing her without consent, and using text messages to groom her with the intent of arranging sex. Para Transpo serves Ottawa residents with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using conventional OC Transpo buses — making its passengers among the city's most vulnerable transit users.
The nature of the service — where drivers often transport the same passengers repeatedly on scheduled routes — creates a relationship of trust and dependency that Thowai is alleged to have exploited.
The Sentence
A judge sentenced Thowai to one year in custody. The case underscores how positions of authority over vulnerable individuals carry serious legal and ethical responsibilities, and that courts are prepared to impose custodial sentences when that trust is violated.
Calls for Accountability
Para Transpo operates under contract arrangements within OC Transpo's broader network, and cases like this inevitably raise questions about driver screening, passenger reporting mechanisms, and how quickly concerns are escalated when complaints are made. Riders with disabilities may face additional barriers in coming forward — whether due to communication challenges, fear of losing access to transportation, or uncertainty about who to contact.
Advocacy groups for people with disabilities in Ottawa have long called for stronger safeguards and more transparent complaint processes within Para Transpo. This case is likely to renew those conversations.
What Para Transpo Riders Should Know
If you or someone you know experiences inappropriate behaviour from a Para Transpo driver, incidents can be reported to OC Transpo's customer service line, or directly to Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222. In an emergency, always call 911.
The City of Ottawa has not yet issued a public statement in response to the sentencing.
A Reminder of the Stakes
For many Para Transpo users, the service isn't optional — it's a lifeline that connects them to medical appointments, workplaces, and daily life. That dependency makes it all the more critical that the people entrusted with their safety are rigorously vetted and that robust systems exist to act swiftly when concerns arise.
This sentencing serves as a stark reminder that abuse of power over vulnerable people carries serious consequences — and that Ottawa's specialized transit riders deserve nothing less than the highest standard of care and accountability.
Source: CBC Ottawa
