Hundreds of job cuts are coming to OC Transpo as the city introduces light rail in 2018.

The company is warning the unions tonight that up to 600 jobs will be lost, consisting mostly of bus drivers whose work will be replaced by the train.

This is the first time OC Transpo has given a number on expected job cuts, and it's a big one.

The reason for the impending job cuts right underneath our feet. Work is currently underway on the confederation line, as the LRT is slated to be "on track" in 2018. The long, high-speed trains with increased passenger capacity will significantly reduce the need for human resources.

The cuts include:

Up to 600 jobs

Reduce bus operations by approximately 500,000 hours per year

Expecting to reduce bus fleet size by as much as 180 buses

Here is how OC Transpo hopes to minimize the effect on its current employees:

There will be approximately 100 new job opportunities with light rail

They will work both retirees and current vacancies as a solution.

General Manager of Transit Services John Manconi says they will work with the unions to identify practical ways to prevent or limit layoffs.

Sources tell CFRA that meetings are scheduled tomorrow morning and evening to give the amalgamated transit union a chance to go over the details with their members.