☃ OC Explained: Winter Operations ❄
We start preparing for winter service long before the first snowflakes fall.
Here’s a refresh on what we’ve done and what we’re planning as we gear up for another long winter in Canada’s capital.
News
The Next Stop Blog news
The Next Stop Blog news
👩💻A day in the life of a Website Specialist 🧠
🖥️Ever wonder who keeps octranspo.com running?
From sunrise service alerts to accessibility fixes, follow our web team through a typical day of turning complex transit info into clear, helpful content for thousands of riders.
💡 spoiler There's coffee, creativity, and a lot of care behind every page.
Read More about 👩💻A day in the life of a Website Specialist 🧠
❄ Winter readiness ❄
Winter is coming and we are taking steps to continue to provide safe and reliable transit throughout.
Months before the first snowfall, our crews take multiple steps to prepare buses and trains for poor road conditions and various types of winter weather. Read our OC Explained: Winter Operations blog to learn more.
When extreme winter weather is forecast, there may be changes to bus types, trips, and schedules.
Severe Storm Schedule: In effect for buses on weekdays when 31 cm or more of snow (or a mixture of wet, heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain) is expected. Visit the Winter travels page for details.
Services news
🆕560-1000 📱 is getting an upgrade!
We’re connecting the 560-1000 line to our GTFS real-time feed for more accurate next-departure information.
- New: Calls now indicate cancelled trips and real-time arrivals.
- How it works: Call 613-560-1000 and enter your four-digit stop number to hear the next two or three departure times, including updates such as cancellations or detours.
The Next Stop Blog news
An accessibility page that doesn’t get in your way
We rebuilt our Accessibility page from scratch, with input from riders who actually use it.
Whether you use a mobility device, navigate by sound, need extra time, or support someone who does, this page puts the info you need front and center.
- Task-first navigation.
- Mobile-optimized.
- High-contrast mode.
- Language that makes sense.
Read More about An accessibility page that doesn’t get in your way
The Next Stop Blog newsO-Train Extension newsO-Train West news
🚧 The Track to Algonquin: 🚧 O-Train West Construction
We took students, staff, and community partners 7.5 metres underground for an exclusive tour of Algonquin Station—the future west terminus of Line 1.
They saw newly laid tracks, vibrant green wall tiles reflecting Algonquin's colours, and the 67-metre enclosed bridge that will connect riders directly to campus.
Go behind the scenes on The Next Stop Blog.
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Share your feedback
We're taking part in an international customer satisfaction survey provided by the International Bus Benchmarking Group (IBBG).
This survey is conducted every year by transit agencies around the world. The results provide information that helps transit agencies improve their services.
The survey will be available at the link below until November 24, 2025.
The Next Stop Blog news
Haunted places in Ottawa you can eerily visit with transit 👻
In the heart of the nation's capital and a bit beyond, hides a darker, more mysterious side. With roots stretching back to the lumber trade, political scandals, and tragic accidents, our city is full of ghosts, ghouls, and spirits that continue to send chills down the spines of locals and visitors alike.
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Transparency newsMemos news
October 23: Stage 2 East Extension Testing and Commissioning and Line 1 Integration
Read More about October 23: Stage 2 East Extension Testing and Commissioning and Line 1 Integration
Blair Station elevator replacement
Beginning in October 2025 and continuing into winter 2026, customers will see construction work underway at Blair Station as part of the Blair Station Elevator Replacement Project.
Bus stops around the construction zone will be moved to another part of the platform, and the shelters for these stops will be temporarily removed to facilitate construction activity.
📣 What do you think of the New Bus Stop Transit Information Screens?
New Transit Information Screens at bus stops. Have your say !We’re piloting Transit Information Screens at select stops, and we want to hear from you.
Are they helpful? Clear? Easy to use?
It’s a quick survey , and your input helps shape the future of transit in Ottawa.
Read More about 📣 What do you think of the New Bus Stop Transit Information Screens?
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Services news
New Para Transpo vehicles continue to enter service
It’s been a busy summer for Para Transpo team as more new vehicles for the Para Transpo fleet continue to arrive in Ottawa!
From an order of 82 vehicles for Para Transpo service, including 6 six-metre and 76 seven-metre minibuses, we’ve received 24 vehicles as of the time of writing.
When will these minibuses go into service?Read More about New Para Transpo vehicles continue to enter service