Ottawa - Spring is here and that means two things for OC Transpo users: there will be changes to some bus schedules and Rack & Roll returns.

This year, Ottawa-area cyclists have even more options for their commute. Routes 7 and 85 are now part of the Rack & Roll network. There are now bike racks on the front of 225 buses. Those specially equipped buses will run along routes 2, 7, 85, 95 and 97 (although they may be assigned occasionally to other routes).

Cyclists may also take their bikes on board the new O-Train, through the designated middle doors.

All of the designated Rack & Roll routes mean cyclists can expand their commuting horizons: to Place d’Orléans in the east, Kanata Town Centre in the west, and the airport in the south. Now, hundreds of popular cycling destinations that would normally be out of riding range can be easily reached.

Commuters are encouraged to use any of the bus-mounted bike-racks, whether on a designated Rack & Roll route or not. It’s good exercise and good for the environment.

Another change that comes with spring - new bus schedules. They come into effect April 21, and reflect the reduced demand for service at this time of year. Transit riders can get new timetables for all peak-period and express routes, as well as several regular routes.

Key service changes include:

• route 170 - it will be extended south on Greenbank, loop around Marketplace Ave., Riocan, and Strandherd back to Greenbank to serve new retail stores
• route 117 to Carleton University - it will be suspended until September
• route 129 to La Cité collégiale - frequency will be reduced to coincide with the end of the academic year
• route 144 - supplementary service to JDS Uniphase will be cancelled due to plant closures.

For scheduled bus arrival times up to six days ahead of time, customers can call 560-1000 plus the four-digit number displayed on their bus stop. New schedules, service change details, information about the Rack & Roll program, and trip planning information are all available by calling 741-4390 (TTY: 741-5280) or by visiting www.octranspo.com.