Ottawa’s public transit network is set to undergo significant changes by the end of August, aligning with a $29-million initiative aimed at accommodating the return of federal workers to their downtown offices. OC Transpo, in anticipation of an additional 65,000 weekly trips in and out of Ottawa’s core, is implementing various enhancements to its services, as outlined in a recent report to city council.
Among the key modifications are increased O-Train services, including more trains on Line 1 during weekdays and an earlier start on Line 2. Additionally, improvements to para transport systems, new express bus routes, and better connections from park-and-ride locations to major employment hubs are part of the transit plan approved last month.
Rick Leary, the city’s transit services general manager, highlighted some key points of the upcoming changes. Specific stop locations and schedules can be found on the OC Transpo website, with staff available at key locations starting August 31 to assist commuters.
Express 500-series routes will be introduced to facilitate faster connections between transit stations and key employment areas. Notable routes include 526 and 538 from Blair station, routes 561, 562, and 563 from Tunney’s Pasture station, and routes 565 and 566 serving various destinations.
In addition to these express routes, routes 74 and 75 will be extended to Gatineau, providing enhanced connectivity between different areas. Further adjustments to weekday service changes will see more trips on specific routes and improved schedules for increased reliability.
While some seasonal tweaks are part of the adjustments, the east extension of the O-Train will not be operational by August 30. The broader Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan also encompass various initiatives like traffic enforcement, construction optimization, cycling and walking infrastructure improvements, and proposed parking changes at city facilities and places of worship.
Overall, these enhancements aim to address the evolving transportation needs in Ottawa, especially with the expected influx of commuters back to their workplaces.