Your Future Journey: Route Interviews
New Ways to Bus are coming to Ottawa on Sunday, April 27! This will be the largest bus service change in Ottawa’s history, impacting most customers and bus routes as we adapt to new travel patterns. Our new bus network will focus on frequency, local service in your neighbourhood, and connections to key destinations.
As part of New Ways to Bus, there will be new routes, shortened routes, extended routes, and the replacement or removal of routes.
Almost all routes across the city will be affected. While you can find out how your route will be changing on the New Ways to Bus webpage. The Next Stop Blog sat down with a handful of bus routes that will see changes come April 27. Learn more about why they are changing and the destinations that they will soon be serving.
Browse through our interviews:
#1.
Route Interview – On location with Route 70 In Barrhaven
As part of our Your Future Journey series, we explore why, how and what changes are being made with New Ways to Bus.
But we thought it would also be good to hear directly from one of the new bus routes themselves.
The Next Stop Blog sat down with future Route 70 to learn more about why customers in Barrhaven can be excited for this new route. We caught up with Route 70 near Fat Les's Chip Stand near Strandherd Drive, a Barrhaven institution favoured for years.
Thanks for joining us today for the chat. Tell me what it’s like to be a route-in-waiting?
Honestly, it’s been a bit of a surreal experience. My route was under development for so long. Between the route review consultation and planning process, it’s taken so much work to get to this point, and right now it’s a bit of a weird feeling just waiting around until I can start running.
Speaking of running, why are you being introduced in the first place?
I’m going to connect more customers in Barrhaven with a single-trip ride to neighbourhood destinations and other transit services. I’ll take people to the newly opened O-Train Line 2 at Limebank Station across the river in Riverside South. And I’ll also take them to frequent service on the Transitway at stations like Fallowfield and Marketplace. Along the way I’ll be serving all sorts of grocery stores, pharmacies and other local hot spots. This is part of what New Ways to Bus is all about, focusing on Local routes in your hood. One other cool thing is that my schedule is going to be easier to understand. I run on the same streets at all times of the day, same days of the week.
So what is with the new number anyway? Why 70 and not just continue to call you 170?
Well, I’m glad you asked. First of all, I’m not the exact same as the soon-to-be former Route 170. Parts of my route are different, new sections have been added, and my schedule is going to be more consistent. So it was time for a numerical makeover. And now that I connect to Line 2 at Limebank Station, we thought a two-digit number would be best. Across the city, two-number routes always connect to the O-Train. Of course, the 7 was non-negotiable. All Barrhaven-based routes use a 7. It happens to be my lucky number.
What are you most excited about?
Easy, the connection to Line 2. I’ll take people directly from Barrhaven neighbourhoods to the train at Limebank Station in Riverside South. The fact that I get to take some Barrhavenites to the train faster than ever is an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to see the faces of those first customers as they get off the bus and walk straight into the brand new O-Train station.
What will the connection at Limebank be like?
That’s a really good question. I know I’ll be dropping people off at the bus platform right at the O-Train station entrance. People will get off, tap or scan their fare at the fare gate entrance, then walk or take the elevator up to the Line 2 trains above.
Limebank Station is the most southern station of Line 2 or as we call it in the transit world, the terminus station. There’s nowhere to go but north towards Bayview and downtown. Pretty cool for Carleton students or downtown commuters if you ask me. And then if they’re connecting from the Line 2 train to my bus at Limebank, there will be signage and information screens telling you where to go to find me, plus my next bus departure in real-time. It’ll be a pretty seamless connection.
What is one thing that you think the people of Barrhaven should know?
You don't need to drive to new Park & Rides at Bowesville and Leitrim to take transit. I want you all to know about Route 70 so you can take me from Barrhaven to Line 2. I’m a little worried some folks in Barrhaven might decide to drive to the Park & Ride to catch the train, instead of taking me. And I get it, some people prefer taking their car, and I’m happy they have free parking to use. But for me nothing beats a bus-to-train multimodal trip.
Any final thoughts?
It’s been so exciting to see how Barrhaven has grown and my route is a rethink based on the new ways people are travelling. It’s not all commuters anymore. Lots of folks are working from home or shopping closer to home, and I want people to know that Route 70 will be here to help them to that, plus take a trip to the train if you need it.
My route really has it all!
- Craving the best home fries in town? I’ll take you to Broadways on Strandherd Drive.
- Want to catch a movie? I stop at Marketplace Station right near the Cineplex on Riocan Avenue.
- Celebrating Canada Day or want to hit up Ribfest? I serve Clarke Fields Park.
- Heading to Toronto or Montreal? One of my key stops is Fallowfield VIA Rail Station.
Get to know me more by checking out my route map:
#2.
Speed dating in the 40s – Getting to know some of the New Ways to Bus routes in the south end
Spring is in the air and April 27 is just around the corner. For this edition of Your Future Journey, we thought what better way to seek out new connections than to bring together a few south end routes for rapid-fire, speed-dating questions?
The Next Stop Blog caught up with some of the south end’s most eligible bus routes to learn more about what they have to offer. Let’s learn more about Route 41, Route 43, and Route 48.
A big thank you to all you lovely routes joining us today. It’s not an easy thing putting yourselves out there, especially in your 40s, so bravo for coming along for the ride. Let’s start off with an easy question, what’s your favourite colour?
Route 41: Blue
Route 43: White
Route 48: Grey
We couldn’t help but notice each of the favourite colours matched their respective route symbols in the New Ways to Bus network. Can you tell us more about that?
Route 41: Yes, I'm a Frequent route. We’re a core part of the bus network offering service every 15 minutes or less from 6 am to 6 pm on weekdays. We also run seven days a week on main roads.
Route 43: You caught us. Route 48 and I are Local routes. White and grey mean that we provide local service in our neighbourhoods. We provide custom routing to local destinations and have been redesigned to better serve neighbourhood destinations, transit hubs, and the extended O-Train network while also connecting to Frequent routes.
What your biggest change when New Ways to Bus starts April 27?
Route 41: I’m a brand-new route from St-Laurent to Billings Bridge, replacing sections of soon-to-be retired Routes 46 on Walkley and Heron, and Routes 140 and 141 on Bélanger and Clementine.
Route 43: I’m new too, and I’ll be running a limited schedule, local service through the part of the Greenboro neighbourhood.
Route 48: I’m getting a makeover on both sides: on one end I’m being modified to connect to Hurdman Station from Elmvale, replacing Route 46 on Coronation, Russell, and Southvale. And then on the other end I’m being extended to Carleton University from BIllings Bridge Station (instead of going north on the Southeast Transitway towards Hurdman). I can’t wait to be back at school! April 27th is going to be like Frosh week for me.
What is your favourite thing to do by transit?
Route 41: Mine is shopping too and I’ll take you to St-Laurent, Elmvale, Herongate and Billings Bridge.
Route 43: Going to movies at South Keys #WatchLocal
Route 48: Heading to play baseball at Grasshopper Hill park on a warm summer evening. Who’s on first?
What’s the best way to connect with your Route friends?
Route 41: I use the Travel Planner
Route 43: I love Transit app (I’m a Frequent flyer there)
Route 48: I’m more retro and sometimes call Customer Service at 613-560-5000 (but sometimes I prank call Route 41 schedules using 560-1000, shhh don’t tell them).
What’s your favourite neighbourhood gem on your route?
Route 41: St. Patrick’s High School – Go Fighting Irish! Did you know Dan Aykroyd and 17th Prime Minister John Turner used to go there??
Route 43: Shawarma at the plaza at Karsh and Lorry Greenberg
Route 48: Neighbourhood gem? Neighbourhood Way! You got Coronation Park there, perfect for a date.
Did you feel like you made a new connection today?
Route 41: I wrote Route 48 a poem:
“You go from Line 1 Hurdman and Coronation,
all the way to Line 2 Carleton and higher education.
A connection this strong has me beaming like the sun,
But would you go steady with this Frequent Route 41?”
Route 43: I think I’ll wait for the connection with O-Train Line 2 at South Keys and Greenboro Stations come April 27.
Route 48: Yes, Route 41. With that Frequent service through Walkley, Heron and Billings Bridge. I would love to be their Clementine.
There you have it. Some think it’s hard to find love in your 40s but the residents in Ottawa’s south end can rest assured with New Ways to Bus there will be plenty of routes on the road.
Check out the maps below to learn more about some of south Ottawa’s most eligible bus routes:
#3.
Talking break ups with Route 88 and new Route 68
The Beatles. Brad and Jen. Pete and Ariana.
Breakups can be hard, but sometimes they are for the best. Especially when it comes to bus routes.
As part of our Your Future Journey series, we explore why, how and what changes are being made with New Ways to Bus on April 27. One of these changes is the breaking up of Route 88 into two different routes to better serve Ottawa’s western communities.
The Next Stop Blog caught up with Route 88 and new Route 68 to learn more about the breakup and what’s next for these two bus routes.
Route 88, is it something we said? Why the breakup?
It’s not you, it’s the route.
Before New Ways to Bus, I was one the longest bus routes in Ottawa. At 30 kilometres long, I helped customers travel from Terry Fox Station in the west to the central hub of Hurdman Station, making key stops at Hazeldean Mall, Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Baseline Station, Algonquin College, Mooney’s Bay Station, then wrapping things up at Hurdman Station. As a frequent route, I helped students, government employees, and many key front line workers such as hospital workers get to where they needed to be.
Sure, bragging rights were great being one of the longest routes in town. I was a crosstown route that travelled on some of Ottawa’s busiest roads such as Terry Fox, Hazeldean, and Baseline. Along my travels, I took advantage of bus lanes and the transitway. In the bus business, we call these “Transit Priority Measures” or TPMs for short.
My route also had long stretches where I travelled in mixed traffic. Sure, I have no problem with sharing the road, but it adds a level of unpredictability that could impact my travel time. Accidents and traffic in one end of the city could impact my arrival times in other ends of the city. An accident on Heron Road could mean that customers trying to catch a movie in Kanata Centrum may have to skip getting popcorn. Sens traffic in Kanata meant customers heading to Algonquin College could be late to class.
When New Ways to Bus came into my life, I knew it was time for change.
On April 27, I’ll be starting a new chapter. I’ll still serve Baseline Station, but my new route will travel between Bayshore and Hurdman stations, running via the Queensway-Carleton Hospital on John Sutherland Drive, Richmond Road, and Holly Acres Road. If you still need to travel west to Terry Fox Station, you’ll be able to transfer to Route 68 at Baseline Station.
We had a good run, but my days of serving the good people of Bells Corners and Kanata will be over and I’ll pass the torch to new Route 68.
Route 68, tell us about yourself?
Where do I start? First off, shout out to Route 88. Being one of the longest routes in town isn’t the easiest job.
I know getting over your ex-route is never easy, but I have a lot to offer. As Frequent Route 68, I’ll run between Terry Fox and Baseline stations. For all the west end folks, here is what I bring to the table:
- Service every 15 minutes or less seven days a week between Baseline and Terry Fox stations.
- If you live in Kanata, I’ll get you to Algonquin College just like Route 88 did.
- If you’re at Algonquin College hoping to get to check out live music at Crazy Horse in Kanata, I’m your route!
- I still provide direct service to Queensway-Carleton Hospital campus and many other destinations between Terry Fox and Baseline stations.
Route 88, what’s next for you?
As I said earlier, April 27 will be a new chapter for me. While I’ll be sad to no longer travel out to Kanata, the shorter journey between Bayshore and Hurdman stations will be much more predictable. I’ll still be a Frequent route, and I’ll still serve key destinations such as the Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Baseline Station, and key O-Train Stations such as Mooney’s Bay on Line 2 and Hurdman Station on Line 1. With the O-Train West Extension, I’ll eventually serve two more O-Train Stations at Baseline Station, to be renamed to Algonquin Station, and Bayshore Station.
In the meantime, I’d invite you to check out the new me and learn more about Route 68. Check out our route maps below.
#4.
Happy retirement Route 55!
As part of our Your Future Journey series, we explore why, how and what changes are being made with New Ways to Bus.
The Next Stop Blog team sat down with soon-to-be discontinued Route 55. What’s it like to be on the brink of retirement? Let’s find out!
So how are you feeling now that your route is coming to an end?
Right off the bat I’d like to make one thing crystal clear. There’s been some talk about me being discontinued and yes that’s true, but my service will still be provided by two other routes, 5 and 85. So I don’t want anyone to think they’re out of options.
Can you give me Coles Notes on what will happen to you on April 27?
Well, my route number will presumably be retired, but I’m still waiting to hear where they’re going to hang my number in the rafters at the garage.
Right, but in terms of the changes for customers, what will happen once you’re retired?
I want to assure my riders that even though I’m going away, my legacy will live on with the service provided by two very capable, revised routes. Route 5 will carry my riders between Rideau Station and Elmvale in the east. And Route 85 will carry my riders between Lees Station and Carling Avenue in the west.
That’s a lot of change for your riders. How do you feel about that?
My Route 55 fans are no stranger to route changes. We’ve seen a few of them over the years. But I’m feeling confident that with New Ways to Bus there’ll be some exciting new opportunities. To be perfectly honest, my route was getting a little long. Going all the way from Elmvale to Westgate through some pretty congested parts of town was a tough slog. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with the schedule, and that meant I was letting some riders down. That never feels good.
You mentioned new opportunities with the new routes. Can you tell us more about that?
I don’t have all the details in front of me, after all I am just a metaphysical manifestation of a bus route, but there are a few things I know for sure. One is that folks coming from Old Ottawa East can ride the new Route 85 all the way west to Bayshore Station and hit a bunch of malls along the way like Westgate, Carlingwood and Lincoln Fields. If you’ve ever shopped at the mall, you know that connecting by transit is much easier than crawling your way through crowded lots filled with bad parking jobs. Another great feature is that Route 85 passes other hotspots, like Dow’s Lake and the new O-Train Line 2 to Carleton and towards destinations in the south like the Airport. It also happens to pass by The Royal and the um, um…The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus.
***at this point in the interview, Route 55 needed to take a short break to compose themselves***Thanks for coming back. Would you tell us why you’re so emotional?
Sorry, I just have something in my eye...Look, I just get a little worked up when I think about the Civic Campus. Great hospital, totally underrated, and I’m sympathetic because they’re building that brand new hospital just down the road. I know what it feels like to be on the way out. But I just have to keep telling myself that good can come of change too.
Speaking about good things, you mentioned Route 85 but what about your east end riders who’ll be using the revised Route 5?
Like I said, the shorter route should make things more reliable for my riders, including those who’ll be travelling to Elmvale, Smyth or The Ottawa Hospital General Campus. Plus, Route 5 will take them all the way right into downtown and all it has to offer on Elgin Street, Rideau Station in the ByWard Market, and to the University of Ottawa. As Route 55 I never got to travel that far into that part of downtown but I’m happy my riders are now going to get that chance.
We appreciate you taking the time to chat with us, we know it’s a difficult time for you. Do you have any parting thoughts for our readers?
There'll be happiness after me. But there was happiness because of me. Both of these things I believe. There is happiness in our history.
#5.
Get to know Route 24
There’s been a lot of excitement in Ottawa’s east end about an extended route that will run between St-Laurent Station and Chapel Hill Park & Ride.
The Next Stop Blog sat down with Route 24 to see what all the buzz is about.
What are you most excited about with the new route?
There’s so much to be excited about with New Ways to Bus, but I’ve been told that my route is definitely a star of the show. If I had to choose one thing I’m most excited about, it’s that residents in Beacon Hill will be getting two-way service through the neighbourhood.
Let’s dig into the backstory here a little bit. What’s the plotline for this new Route 24?
My origin is a story of rebirth and personal growth. I’m being reimagined and extended. Anyone in show business knows what an honour it is to have an extended run. As of April 27, I’ll be running from St-Laurent Station, through Beacon Hill, into Blackburn Hamlet and then on to the Chapel Hill Park & Ride.
I’ll connect to so many places where people want to go. Parks, schools, businesses, sports, and more.
I love the narrative but what can customers expect with the route changes?
I’ll be replacing my old friend Route 28 in Blackburn Hamlet. We’ve spoken and they’re cool with it. For all those riders on Route 28 today, you can rest assured I’ll be there for you. I’ll be running 15-30 minutes all-day, 7 days a week. And for today’s riders you’ll notice I’m being rerouted in a few places across the neighbourhood to better serve the community. You can check out my map below or the Travel Planner for more details. I’ll also be doubling up with my buddy Route 12 along Jasmine Crescent. I’ve heard there’s beautiful parks and even a bus stop right outside Lester B. Pearson High School.
Also, riders in the east end will be able to connect further east, through Blackburn Hamlet to places like École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, the Hornet’s Nest, and connecting all the way Chapel Hill Park and Ride.
There’s been mention of neighbourhood destinations so could you give us some of the other hot spots Route 24 will go?
I could spend all day telling you about them but I know everyone’s busy so instead I’ll give you my top 4 Bs:
- Books - North Gloucester Library is a neighbourhood gem
- By - students come from all over the city to attend Colonel By High School and you should see the list of its famous alumni!
- Beers - Dominion City Brewing is amazing and you have to try their seltzer too!
- Blair Station - You’ve got shopping, the O-Train, but most importantly you’ve got the movie theatre. One day I hope to see my number up there in the cinema showtimes. Did you know Tom Cruise used to live in Beacon Hill? I don’t think it’s mission impossible for me to be star like that one day.
Beyond April 27 and New Ways to Bus, what’s next for you?
It’s all about the O-Train Line 1 extension. This is going to be a game-changer for the east end. My route will connect you with the O-Train system and will make getting to some of Ottawa’s biggest events like Bluesfest even easier. To quote my favourite band Nickelback, I know we’re not too “Far Away” from the extension and once it opens it’ll be “Savin’ Me” time spent in traffic. When the O-Train East extension opens, I’ll also provide you with a connection at the future Montréal Station.
To get me know me better, check out my route map below:
#6.
Back to the future with Route 8
No, we aren’t unveiling a new fleet of Deloreans. But we are bringing a route back from the past.
If you ever had to cross back and forth between Ottawa and Gatineau, you most likely took Route 8. Government workers crossing the river would patiently wait at the LeBreton stop, queuing single file for the next Route 8 bus.
Starting April 27th, 2025, OC Transpo is introducing a (sort of) brand-new route to its bus network—Route 8.
The Next Stop Blog caught up with Route 8 to learn more about this crucial link that will soon be operating between Gatineau and Ottawa.
Route 8, tell us about yourself?
Hello, bonjour! I’m looking forward to helping everyone travel between Ottawa and Gatineau. My new route will run between the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau and Dow’s Lake Station in Ottawa. If you travel between these two cities or just west of downtown Ottawa, I offer a convenient and efficient option for getting around.
My route will replace parts of the existing service to Gatineau on several routes, including Routes 15, 61, 63, 75, and 85, and provide a smoother connection between Ottawa and Gatineau. I travel through key streets, ensuring you have access to important areas and landmarks.
Key corridors include Rue Laurier, Boulevard des Allumettières, Boulevard Maisonneuve, Rue Eddy, Booth Street and Preston Street, making it an essential option for commuters, students, and anyone traveling between the two cities.
What about rush hour commuters?
We all know a lot of people still travel across the bridge at rush hour for work and wherever else life takes them. And we are here for them. My Local service runs all week long, including during rush hour, but it’s important to mention the other new route coming to town, Route 13. Route 13 will provide limited Local service on weekdays during rush hour, running on the same streets in Gatineau as me, but once over the bridge, heading west to Tunney’s Pasture Station, servicing Pimisi and Bayview along the way.
What are some of the key stops and landmarks on your route?
I cover several critical stops between Gatineau and Ottawa. Whether you're traveling for work, leisure, or medical appointments, I'll help you get to some of the most important landmarks in the region. Here are the key areas along the route:
- Canadian Museum of History – The journey begins at the iconic Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, one of the country's most visited museums. This stop provides easy access to not only the museum itself but also other attractions along the riverfront.
- Dow’s Lake – On the Ottawa side, the route ends at Dow’s Lake Station, connecting to O-Train Line 2. This location is not only convenient for those using the O-Train but is also close to the beautiful Commissioners Park, where the Tulip Festival is hosted, and the picturesque Dow’s Lake, making it a great stop for those enjoying outdoor activities.
- Terrasses de La Chaudière – Located in the heart of the government district in Gatineau, this area is home to several important government offices. It’s a crucial stop for those working in the public sector or visiting the area.
- Rue Eddy and Rue Laurier – These streets run through the Gatineau downtown area, providing easy access to various offices, residential areas, and shopping destinations. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city, these stops offer a direct connection to Ottawa’s downtown core.
- Pimisi Station – A connection to O-Train Line 1 and everywhere that takes you east and west! Say no more, right?
- Preston Street – Known for its vibrant little Italy, Preston Street is home to fantastic restaurants, cafes, and businesses. This popular area is a go-to spot for food lovers and anyone looking to experience Ottawa's cultural scene.
- Canadia Agriculture and Food Museum – during the summer in July and August special trips on Route 8 will run to this gem of a museum located in the Experimental Farm, a family favourite!
What’s new and different about Route 8? Why are you coming out of retirement?
My route introduces several exciting changes to ensure good connectivity between Gatineau and Ottawa throughout the week. Here’s what I think is special:
- Simplified service between Gatineau and Ottawa – My route offers a direct link between the two cities, replacing service on several existing routes. It’s designed to offer an efficient, easy-to-navigate experience for all passengers. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, this will make commuting simpler.
- New connections – The route provides easy access to several significant areas and landmarks, including government offices and cultural attractions. It also serves major streets in both cities like Rue Laurier, Boulevard des Allumettières, and Preston Street. It’s an excellent choice for those travelling between neighbourhoods and visiting key spots.
- Tag team – Between my regular Local service all week and Route 13’s weekday peak period service between Tunney’s Pasture and Gatineau, we make a great one-two punch for commuters.
To get to know my new route better, check out my map below:
Learn more about New Ways to Bus
New Ways to Bus are coming to Ottawa on Sunday, April 27! OC Transpo's new bus network will focus on frequency, local service in your neighbourhood, and connections to key destinations. To learn more, check out our New Ways to Bus page.
