Heads up Ottawa. Winter is here.
Every year, Ottawa sees its fair share of winter storms. We never know what mother nature is going to throw at us.
Work begins months in advance so that we can continue to offer customers safe and reliable service, regardless of the weather.
When severe weather hits, we’re working across the city and around the clock to help keep you moving.
Let’s peek behind the scenes to see how we prepare and adapt to severe winter weather.
Before the storm
Well before the first snowflake, OC Transpo crews take multiple steps to prepare the O-Train system for winter:
- Snow fencing is strategically installed to prevent drifting snow.
- Switch heaters are inspected and tested.
- Overhead wires that power the trains are inspected and adjusted.
- Critical train equipment is cleaned and winterized.
- Specialized winter carbons are installed onto the pantographs of some of the trains.
- Train heating is activated and heated floors are turned on.
- Station heaters are tested.
- Additional resources are secured to assist with snow clearing and removal.
Keeping the rail, bus and Para Transpo system running in the winter, especially when a storm hits, is all about planning.
When snow is in the forecast, we do our best to assign buses that perform best. Articulated buses have a harder time on the road. When possible, our 40-foot and double decker buses are prioritized to run service when we’re expecting heavy snowfall.
OC Transpo 40-foot articulated bus at Eagleson Station during a snowy day.
Our bus tires meet the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake criteria for snow traction performance. This standard is recognized by tire manufacturers throughout North America to show that a tire has been tested to provide quality traction in snow and winter conditions.
If challenging road conditions are expected, a select number of bus stops may be temporarily closed until roads are cleared. These stops are located on slopes where snowy and icy conditions may interfere with a bus’s ability to safely provide service. The stops are identified on this website and alternative stop locations are indicated.
When a weekday forecast calls for 31cm or more of snow – or other especially severe weather – we implement a Severe Storm Schedule for buses. The Severe Storm Schedule reduces service levels on most bus routes when ridership is lower during extreme weather events. This reduces the resources diverted to stuck buses and allows for a smoother return to normal operations as conditions improve.
Wondering how you will know if a Severe Storm Schedule is happening? We will always inform you at least a day in advance, through social media updates, text notifications and our website.
During the storm
During a winter weather event, OC Transpo closely monitors conditions and may adjust bus and O-Train service as required.
When snow or freezing rain begins to fall, we work closely with numerous City departments to minimize transit disruptions. For example, Public Works will prioritize snow clearing on as many bus routes as possible. They also help keep Transitway stations and Park & Ride lots clear.
Throughout each storm, snow is cleared on bus platforms and around shelters.
On the O-Train, switch heaters help melt ice and snow before it can accumulate. This helps keep rail switches operating during the winter months. At certain locations, heated train platforms help prevent snow and ice from building up. Don’t be surprised to see additional staff out working on platforms, on pathways and even on the tracks. Additional resources and specialized equipment are brought in to assist during a weather event.
If snow is falling overnight, you might see trains running overnight. This helps to reduce snow and ice from building up.
To prepare for freezing rain, we use enhanced weather forecasting to proactively take steps to help maintain rail service and build on the successes from previous winters, such as:
- Increasing the number of winter carbon strips on top of trains to keep the overhead wires free of ice
- Applying anti-icing solution to the overhead wires
- Deploying additional staff to monitor in-service conditions at strategic locations
OC Transpo staff clear snow from the platform of an O-Train station during heavy snowfall.
How can you prepare for winter storms?
When the forecast calls for extreme weather, transportation of any kind can be challenging. We have multiple plans in place to keep the city moving in winter conditions and do our best to get you where you’re going on time. Even without changes to scheduled service, road conditions can affect all traffic and lead to longer travel times.
For safety, keep these transit tips in mind:
- Snow and ice can make for slippery sidewalks and station platforms, so please take your time moving near transit vehicles.
- When boarding or disembarking buses, trains, and Para Transpo vehicles, take care and let the operator know if you need assistance.
- Take a seat or hold onto handrails, grab bars, and hanging straps in moving vehicles.
When facing winter weather, be sure to give yourself plenty of time and use our travel planning tools to plan your trip in advance:
- Download Transit, our recommended mobile app
- Plan your trip in advance using our travel planner
- Sign up to receive alerts by e-mail or text
- Follow @OC_Transpo and @OC_TranspoHelps on X or @octranspo.com and @helps.octranspo.com on Bluesky.
