We’re here to take you there
One of our goals at The Next Stop Blog is to talk about some of the lesser-known work that we do here at OC Transpo.
You've probably seen, either in person or on the news, that OC Transpo will send a bus to major emergencies. If there is a fire or gas leak, there's a good chance you'll see an OC Transpo bus parked nearby. That's a shelter bus, and we're very proud to be able to help those in need.
What does this year's budget mean for you?
On March 1, City Council approved the 2023 Budget. In this post, we’re breaking down this year’s key investments in transit and what it means for you.
OC Transpo’s budget can be broken down into two categories: capital and operating.
What’s the difference? Our operating budget pays for costs such as fuel, salaries, and maintenance. Our capital budget is used to make long-term investments in the transit system such as facility upgrades and other assets.
What are we investing in?
At OC Transpo, we’re proud of our 3,000 transit workers that keep Ottawa moving 24/7, 365 days a year. Our dedicated team delivers over 98.5 million trips per year combined on Para Transpo and OC Transpo. Whether you are travelling to work, school, shopping, an appointment or visiting family and friends, transit staff are working hard to get you there.
Read More about Celebrate transit operators and workers on March 18
We are reviewing the routing and associated bus stops on eastbound Route 7 St-Laurent between Sunnyside/Seneca and Sunnyside/Bank, and want to know what you think.
As part of the Integrated Road Project planned on Grove and Grosvenor later this year, Route 7 St-Laurent will require a detour via Sunnyside Avenue. We are exploring the possibility of making this routing adjustment permanent following the completion of the Integrated Road Project.
The routing adjustment would provide customers who travel along this route with:
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity.
At OC Transpo, we recognize that each person brings different experiences to the table. The more we can do as an organization and as individuals to break down barriers, the more inclusive, welcoming and healthy our workplaces will be.
Let’s get to know some of the women on the front lines and behind the scenes of Ottawa’s transit system!
Read More about OC Transpo celebrates International Women’s Day
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is now available at Tremblay Station! You won’t have to miss a message or use your data again.
Connection couldn’t be simpler:
Wi-Fi will be coming to other O-Train stations in the future!
So stay tuned for more details!
Read More about Free Wi-Fi is now available at Tremblay Station
Minor service reductions will be made on some bus routes during March Break (March 13 to 17), since many people are on holidays and schools are closed.
Buses and O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. Rural shoppers' Routes 301, 302, 303, 304, and 305 will operate a regular schedule. School routes numbered in the 600s and special trips on regular routes to elementary schools will not operate.
Transit Commission heard that O-Train Line 1 and conventional bus ridership is at 62% of pre-pandemic levels and Para Transpo ridership is at 76% of pre-pandemic levels. This is a steady rise from last year and is on-par with ridership forecasts for 2023.
We are continuing to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to more O-Train Line 1 stations. In January, Pimisi Station became our fourth station to have Wi-Fi.
This spring, we’ll be continuing to educate customers about how to use the transit system and plan their commutes.
When you’re in a hurry, we know it can be tempting to take a shortcut by cutting across the bus roadway at stations. But saving a minute is never worth compromising your safety, or the safety of others.
The bus roadway is an active, busy road for buses and other transit vehicles. Pedestrians are not permitted to walk on the roadway.
Instead, be sure to always obey signage showing you where to go. Designated crosswalks or pedestrian bridges are well marked and provide a safe place to cross.
Whether you’ve commuted with us in the past or you’re new to transit, we have affordable and flexible options for travelling to your office and back, any day of the week. Together, OC Transpo and STO provide service to all major Government of Canada workplaces, with fare options to suit the needs of every customer.
Our teams are closely monitoring ridership demand and trends as federal government workers return to the workplace. We have capacity for returning commuters and we are prepared to make changes to service where there is a need.
Here are resources to make your trip back to the office as smooth as possible.
Read More about Returning to the office? We’ll take you there
For the first time last fall, Rack & Roll units remained on OC Transpo’s bus fleet to help customers combine cycling with transit this winter. If you aren’t familiar with OC Transpo’s Rack & Roll program it’s a convenient and fast way cyclists can transport their bike on a bus.
The Next Stop Blog caught up with Dave from Bike Ottawa to chat about his experience with Rack & Roll this season.
At OC Transpo, we take a customer-first approach, and this informs the decisions we make and the steps we take along the way. Our commitment to transparency is part of being accountable for providing safe, comfortable, convenient and reliable transit service. It also ensures that you, our customers, have confidence in the system.
OC Transpo’s business decisions are – and will continue to be – based on data. Our commitment is to manage and improve our service for our customers by analyzing data and using key performance indicators to track our progress.