The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to change rapidly. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) acknowledges that there are essential services – including public transit – that must continue to allow the city to function. OC Transpo is working closely with Ottawa Public Health to make transit as safe as possible. Every step along the way, our priority is the health and safety of our employees and customers.
Working together with OPH and the City of Ottawa’s Office of Emergency Management, we proactively track and quickly respond to incidents of COVID-19 among OC Transpo staff.
Check this page regularly for updates or follow us on Twitter @OC_Transpo.
With the province-wide shutdown scheduled to start on Saturday, December 26, OC Transpo will close all Customer Service Centres until further notice.
Use these alternatives to purchase your fare:
Ride with confidence throughout your trip.
From boarding the bus to exiting the fare gate, our commitment to the highest standards of health and safety is with you every step of the way.
Keep your eyes peeled for safety signs across our transit system.
OC Transpo is the first Canadian transit agency to join the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) "Health and Safety Commitments Program," the public transportation industry’s overarching pledge to passengers that public transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated September 9: We've added more midday trips for students to accommodate early end times
OC Transpo service to Ottawa high schools and middle schools will resume for the school year. This includes the 600-series bus routes and special school service on some regular bus routes.
We are working closely with all four school boards, Ottawa Student Transportation Authority and Consortium de Transport Scolaire d’Ottawa on this year’s back to school plans.
When masks became mandatory in all stations and OC Transpo vehicles, OC Transpo began giving out free masks to help smooth the transition. Based on your feedback, we'll continue to distribute free masks until the end of July.
Between July 13 to 17, the United Way East Ontario also sold masks at some of our busier stations. The proceeds are helping to provide masks to those most vulnerable in our city.
Everyone uses public transit in their own unique way. Check out the best ways to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 at each stage of your trip.
June 22
During the first week that masks were required on OC Transpo over 90% of our customers wore masks.
Thank you for continuing to make transit safer for everyone.
Starting June 15, everyone is required to wear a cloth mask before entering a station, shelter, or boarding an OC Transpo vehicle. Some exceptions apply.
We’re answering your most frequently asked questions about taking transit with a mask.
Read More about Cloth masks on transit: Frequently Asked Questions
June 1
To prepare for increased ridership and normal seasonal service levels, the following health and safety measures will be in place by Monday, June 15:
Our goal is to keep our customers and employees as safe as possible.
April 22
Hand sanitizer dispensers are being installed in all Line 1 stations this week for customers who continue to use transit for essential purposes.
March 29
Effective March 30, schedules will be adjusted on all bus routes.
OC Transpo will be monitoring the adjusted transit service. We will be prioritizing changes that keep sufficient space available on buses and changes that address travel needs to essential services based on staff and customer feedback.
March 27
Starting on Monday, March 30, many bus routes are operating on a Saturday schedule.
These changes reflect lower ridership and maintain service to all neighbourhoods and essential services.
