OC Transpo’s Bus Route Review

Have your say in Ottawa's future bus network!
Right now, these are the ways you can provide your feedback on this review:
Why are we reviewing the bus routes?
OC Transpo is committed to delivering the best possible service to customers. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant changes to how often and how many customers use transit. Considering this, and the upcoming opening of Stage 2 O-Train extensions, there is a need to review the transit planning principles that are used to shape the bus route network. These principles are things like how far you walk to get to a bus stop, how frequently the bus runs, and the maximum number of people on the bus. Once this review is complete, OC Transpo will have an updated service planning framework. This will guide potential changes to the bus route network in 2024, and beyond, that may be considered in light of changing travel patterns and O-Train expansion.
How will we do this?
This work will consist of multiple phases as planning transit principles are reviewed and potential adjustments are made to the bus route network. Customer feedback is important throughout this work. The Bus Route Review will consider:
- Industry standards for service planning principles
- How buses will connect to Stage 2 O-Train extensions
- New travel patterns and ridership levels
- Feedback from customers, residents and stakeholders
- The City of Ottawa’s Equity and Inclusion lens
Complete the online survey
Customers and residents can get involved by completing a short survey asking about how you use the transit system and what you think the future of our transit system should look like. The survey is available in English, French, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Arabic.
Attend an in-person open house
Residents are invited to attend an open house to provide feedback about Ottawa’s future bus network. OC Transpo has organized the following open house sessions in the coming weeks where you can share comments and provide input about Ottawa’s future bus network.
A shuttle will be provided to those wanting to take transit to the May 17 open house. The shuttle will loop between Place D’Orleans Stop 1B and Ray Friel with the first pick up at Place D’Orleans at 6pm and the last departure from Ray Friel at 9pm.
Date and time | Location and address |
---|---|
Wednesday, May 17 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 10th Line Road, Orleans |
Wednesday, May 24 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean |
Thursday, June 1 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm |
City Hall, Champlain room, 110 Laurier Avenue West |
Participate in the virtual meeting
Residents are also offered the option to attend a Zoom meeting. Click the button below to register by May 23, 2023. You will be sent a meeting link by email.
Tuesday, May 23
Virtual Zoom meeting
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Register for the Virtual Zoom meeting
Email us or call us with your feedback
If you cannot attend the sessions listed above, you can also email your feedback to routereview@ottawa.ca or call 613-560-5000.
Route review journey
Phase 1: Defining the Future of our Bus System
Spring 2023
Fill out our online survey to help us understand how you use OC Transpo and what is important for the future of the bus system. The survey can be completed by clicking on this link, or by calling 613-560-5000.
We will be hosting several open houses across the city to hear directly from customers and provide more information about this review. Stay tuned for more details.
Phase 2: Designing our Future Bus System
Summer 2023
Based on feedback from the survey and open houses, and guided by updated service planning principles, we will create a transit service and ridership model and design possible new bus network scenarios.
Phase 3: Recommending our Future Bus System
Fall 2023
Transit Commission and City Council will be presented with bus network options so they can provide direction on the future of the bus system in Ottawa.
Phase 4: Implementing our Future Bus System
Winter 2023 and beyond
Changes to the service planning principles will be adopted in 2024 and any subsequent changes to bus routes would be implemented.
Customers would be informed before any bus route changes are made.
Route changes associated with O-Train expansion would be aligned with those launches.