Accessibility

Updated on August 22, 2024

With the O‑Train Extension, we renew our commitment to providing an accessible transit experience. Accessibility features on trains and at stations make sure your trips meet your needs.

This page outlines our accessibility services.

Travel training program

Embracing life in the big city, enjoying the freedoms of travel, building friendships, and gaining confidence.

Described video version (YouTube)

Time Transcript Text description

00:00

The camera zooms in over Ottawa. Text on screen reads: “Ottawa, Canada”. Daniel gets up, makes coffee and starts to get ready for his day.

00:13                    

Daniel: I love Ottawa. I have a lot of freedom. I can go anywhere I want. My name is Daniel Pinsonneault. I’m 41. I love Ottawa because it’s a big city, so I can bus everywhere too.

Daniel boards a bus and looks out the window. The bus drives along a suburban road.

00:38

I take the bus to work. I work at the bakery and I’ve been there for eight years.

Daniel arrives at work at the bakery at Costco. He greets his coworkers with a smile.

00:50

My girlfriend is Laura. She’s a person with a disability also. Well, she also has Down syndrome, like same as I do.

Daniel walks with his girlfriend Laura downtown.

01:02

She knows how to bus herself, too, so we can bus together, train together and bring her back safely on time.

Daniel and Laura enter an LRT station. They wait on the platform for the O-Train.

01:15

Simone: Initially, when Daniel moved to Ottawa he lived with me and my family for about seven years,

Daniel and Laura board the O-Train and take a seat.

01:22

so he was sort of dependent on me to sort of help him to plan his voyages and his trips.

Text on screen reads: “Simone, Daniel’s sister”.

Simone sits facing the camera to speak.

01:27

Kathy: Daniel’s sister first contacted me ten or more years ago when Daniel moved here from a smaller community.

Text on screen reads: “Kathy Riley, Accessibility Specialist, OC Transpo”.

Kathy sits facing the camera to speak

01:37

She took on some responsibility when his parents were ageing. He came here not knowing anybody, not having any time of a social circle. We introduced him to travel training and taught him how to take transit.

Daniel and Laura ride the O-Train. They hold hands.

01:53

The travel training program pairs people with disabilities with professionals in our community who then teach them how to take transit. And it just enhanced his life.

Daniel and Laura exit an LRT station. They walk down the street to greet Kathy.

02:06

Simone: Then it got to the point with the travel training program that he no longer needed me to help him to know when to leave the house and where to catch the bus and where to make the connection. He was able to do all of that on his own.

Simone speaks to the camera.

02:20

And so that makes us really happy and I know it makes him really happy, too. Growing up, Daniel and I were really fortunate. My mum poured her heart and soul into ensuring that Daniel had the best of everything and she really advocated a lot for Daniel and really wanted him to be able to do what any other child would want.

Daniel: I was very close to my mother, I was a mama’s boy. So that was close, very close.

Daniel sits down at his laptop and types. The camera focuses on a family photo. Daniel picks up the photo and looks at it.

02:50 – 03:39

Daniel: My mother passed away since Family Day Monday 2022. I’m always a little bit teary, you know, when I talk about mum. That’s all. I’m good. Yeah, I’m good.

Simone: You having a mum moment?

Daniel: Yeah, it’s a mum moment again.

Simone: I have those all the time. Come here. I didn’t hear your whole interview but it sounded good what I did hear.

Daniel: Thank you.

Simone: You know what, she’d be so proud of you, sitting here

Daniel: Thank you

Simone: …telling your story. Right?

Daniel: Yeah.

Simone: She’d be super proud of you. You did great, OK? OK.

Daniel: Thank you.

Daniel speaks to the camera. Simone gives him a hug. The camera focuses on a picture of Daniel’s mother.

03:40

I love it here. You can be more independent, so I can go to places, like, far from here. Kanata and Little Italy, downtown and the market. And I know we love to go meet up with my friends. It’s party central.

The camera looks out the front window of the bus as it drives. Daniel and Laura arrive at a restaurant to meet their friends.

04:06

Simone: And if it wasn’t for the travel training program, he wouldn’t have the independence that he has today. So it’s really opened up his entire world.

Simone speaks to the camera. She and Daniel hug.

04:17

Kathy: Even after a few years, he was able to move into his own apartment, independent of his sister, and now he’s free to just travel the community.

Kathy speaks to the camera. Daniel and Laura hold hands on the street.

04:30

Daniel: I just hop on the bus and I know where to go.

Daniel speaks to the camera.

04:33

Text on screen reads: “Presented by OC Transpo. Produced for OC Transpo by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions”.

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Text spelling Planning your trip over an image of riders checking OC Transpo trip planner on their mobile phone

Travel planning apps can help you plan your trip. Explore the app gallery to find the app that works for you!

Developed by Transit, the Transit App is your accessible travel companion. When opened, the app displays nearby transport options and departure times. Want to know where your bus is? You can see its location in real‑time on the map!

Navigate the OC Transpo network easily with:

  • Simple trip planning
  • Step-by-step navigation
  • Departure and stop reminders
  • Real‑time predictions
  • A clear, bold interface

Download Transit for free!

Apple Android
Person checking Transit app on their phone
Rider on wheelchair offboards the O-train

Want to learn how to use transit safely and independently? OC Transpo has you covered with the Travel training program. We offer this training in partnership with school boards, hospitals, day programs and a variety of other agencies serving persons with disabilities. Travel Training teaches people with disabilities and seniors about:

  • Trip planning
  • Recognizing route numbers, stops and schedules
  • Getting on and off buses and the O‑Train
  • Staying safe when using transit
  • Street safety

Instructors are experienced and highly trained to accommodate every trainee’s needs and abilities. The program starts with hands-on assistance and leads to the trainee being comfortable travelling without the instructor. Travelling independently has a different meaning for each trainee, it can mean alone or with a support person.

With the travel training program, you can learn at your own pace and with no time limits. Email OCTTravelTraining@ottawa.ca and sign up as a trainee.

The Canada Video Relay Service (VRS) helps riders who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired connect with us. Using VRS, connect with a sign language interpreter by video. The sign language interpreter facilitates the call and relays the conversation in real time.

VRS allows callers communicate with OC Transpo staff in:

  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)
Canada Video Relay Service logo
graphic representation of a user checking my Alerts notifications on their phone

We provide real‑time alerts about cancelled or delayed trips, bus detours, or route changes. Alert messages outline:

  • Affected routes
  • Start and end date/time of the change
  • Reason for change
  • Affected stops
  • Service alternatives

Visit OC Transpo’s Alerts page to view current service changes. You can register for email and SMS updates to receive the latest information you want to know, such as:

  • Cancelled trips
  • Changes to Para Transpo service
  • Detours
  • Route service changes
  • General service change
  • OC Transpo news
  • Elevator outages

Need help using public transit? OC Transpo allows a support person to ride with you free of charge using an a‑card. Please pay your own fare first, then tap the a‑card to pay your support person’s fare.

Apply for the a‑card at the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre in the Rideau Centre. Bring the following documents:

  • Photo ID
  • Documentation indicating that you require a support person from an authorized health care professional
An accessibility rider onboard of the train with a support person

The a‑card is a free smart card for clients with:

  • A support person
  • CNIB card
  • Attorney General of Ontario card

Apply for the a‑card at the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre in the Rideau Centre. Bring the following documents:

  • Photo ID
  • CNIB card or Attorney General of Ontario Guide Dog card or OC Transpo Support Person card
  • To request a support person, please bring documentation from an authorized health care professional indicating that you require a support person
an example of the a-card with the rider's name and image
A person with visual impairment at the O-Train station

The Community pass is available to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients living in Ottawa. It offers reduced fare for single rides and monthly passes. With the Community pass, the fare per‑ride is about half the cost of a regular fare. The pass is valid as full fare on:

  • All OC Transpo bus routes
  • All O‑Train lines
  • Para Transpo

To apply for the Community Pass, please provide your:

  • ODSP number — 9-digit identification number found on ODSP documents or benefit cheque stubs.
  • Presto card number — 17-digit registration number found on the back of Presto cards.
  • Para Transpo ID number

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Text spelling At the station over an image of riders in a wheelchair offboarding the train at the station mobile phone

The O‑Train Extensions south, east, and west include 24 new stations. Station designs are accessible and user‑friendly.

Connecting at stations is easy with accessibility features that meet your needs.

The new stations are found along:

  • Line 2South extension to Limebank
  • New Line 4airport link
  • Line 1extension
    • East through Orléans to Trim Station
    • West to Algonquin Station
  • New Line 3West link to Moodie Station
Rider with wheelchair using the ticket machine at the O-train station

Boarding the O‑Train with a mobility device is easy with:

  • Barrier‑free paths of travel to station entrances for easy access
  • Low‑floor, platform‑level train entrances
  • Co‑operative Seating section with foldable seats on all vehicles
  • Two elevators leading to each station platform
  • Slip‑resistant, low‑glare flooring
  • Lighting to assist with boarding and exiting
  • Power door buttons that are operable at different heights
  • Wider accessible fare gates. Each gate has two card readers at different heights so you can choose the reader that works best for you. Visual and audio feedback let you know your fare was successfully read.
Rider with wheelchair passing through a fair gate at the O-train station
  • Tactile wayfinding tiles in the floor trace the route:
    • Through fare gates
    • To elevators
    • To platforms and exits
    • To Transecure/Night Stop at each station’s bus loop

The tiles extend to exterior pathways nearby to identify the station entrance as you approach.

  • Transecure waiting areas on train platforms with accessible benches and tactile/Braille signs indicating the direction of service
  • Accessible exterior benches and rest areas in station plazas and on platforms. Benches have space for a person using a mobility device.
  • Dual elevators bring customers to and from each station platform to minimize disruptions caused by elevator malfunctions
  • Tactile warning strips and inter‑car barriers
  • Black‑and‑white directional signs throughout the station
  • Maps and signs with high‑contrast and legible colours and symbols
Rider on a wheelchair getting on the elevator at the O-Train station

For more help at the station, station service attendants and O‑Train ambassadors are happy to assist you.

Ticket machines also allow you to speak to a Customer Services Representative through video and audio. ‘We’re here to help’ signs at the ticket machines and tactile wayfinding tiles will help you locate the ticket machines in each station. The machines have lit‑up buttons and raised text and Braille instruction panels, as well as an audio jack for voice instructions. A Customer Service Representative will help:

  • Guide you through your fare purchase
  • Get you through the fare gates if you have valid fare that isn’t machine‑readable
  • Answer all your fare‑related questions
  • Answer any other questions you have about transit
OC Transpo employee guiding riders through the O-Train station

New station designs include upgrades to system wayfinding. To continue providing accessible wayfinding, we are expanding signage design to reflect new transit services. The signage design follows accessibility standards, including font, type size and appropriate colour contrast. Signs at person‑height include tactile text.

Enhanced signage will include:

  • Soundscape
  • Concourse public address (PA) messages
  • Platform PA messages
  • Onboard train journey messaging

The signage will be used to:

  • Emphasize line numbers and their terminus station
  • Indicate cardinal direction (north, south, west, and east)
  • Identify platform numbers at transfer and terminus stations
  • Help navigate new transfer stations
Rider on wheelchair observing wayfinding map at the o-train station

Seamless transfers allow you to easily switch between lines.

The O‑Train provides accessible and stress‑free transfers through:

  • Thoughtfully positioned transfer points
  • Upgraded station and platform features such as ramps, elevators, and tactile paving
  • Easy‑to‑follow signage
  • Up-to-date service information
  • Well‑designed maps
  • Illuminated signs
  • Real‑time digital displays
  • A dedicated mobile app that offers real‑time updates, trip planning, and notifications about service disruptions

Key transfer stations

Bayview: Line 1 and Line 2

Located downtown, Bayview Station is a central hub for passengers travelling from the east or west heading towards Ottawa South or the airport.

Bayview Station

A graphic map showing Bayview as the transfer station between O-Train line 2 and Line 1
South Keys: Line 2 and Line 4

Whether you're travelling from downtown or Ottawa South via Line 2, South Keys Station is your transfer point for Line 4. Line 4 is a direct link to Ottawa International Airport.

Line 4 service ends on the northbound platform. The train then proceeds to a pocket track north of the station to wait before returning to the station and serving the southbound platform. Line 4 trains are shorter than Line 2 trains. A specific platform boarding area will be designated for Line 4 service to the airport.

South Keys Station

A graphic map showing South Keys as the transfer station between O-Train line 2 and Line 4
Lincoln Fields: Line 3 and Line 1

Lincoln Fields Station is the final transfer point between Line 1 and Line 3. The station provides seamless connectivity for riders heading to Algonquin or Moodie Station.

Lincoln Field Station

A graphic map showing Lincoln Field as the transfer station between O-Train line 1 and Line 3

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Text spelling the word onboard over an image of a rider sitting on train seat chatting with rider sitting on wheelchair onboard the O-train

Cutting edge Stadler FLIRT trains will serve Ottawa South on Line 2, running from Bayview to Limebank Station. The FLIRT has many accessibility features. Each spacious 81.1 metre vehicle has 200 seats and 16 doors.

New train accessibility features

Each new O‑Train vehicle has:

  • 8 spacious Co‑operative Seating areas. These seats are meant for customers who have a hard time standing in a moving vehicle or those who need to sit close to the entrance. Each area can accommodate at least two people with mobility devices, side by side.
  • 16 doors (8 on each side) for quick level‑boarding at all stations
  • Spacious interior for easy circulation
  • Level boarding meeting accessibility standards
Image of New FLIRT trainImage of New FLIRT train

We believe in providing inclusive transit. The O‑Train has the following features for riders with visual or hearing impairments:

  • Tactile wayfinding
  • Synchronized bilingual audio and visual announcements of:
    • Next stops
    • Service-related messages
  • Audible tones/messages and visual indicators that the train doors are opening and closing
  • Colours chosen for high visibility. For example, sharp-contrast yellow is used for:
    • Easy‑to‑reach grab bars
    • Handholds
    • Stanchions
  • Improved LED passenger info screens
Rider with visual impairment boarding the O-train

OC Transpo offers travel aids and tools that assist riders and ensure a safe trip. Riders with disabilities can obtain the following tools for free:

  • Bus connection kit
  • Destination cards

Service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are welcome aboard all OC Transpo vehicles. When on board, please ensure that your service animal does not block the aisle.

Identify your service animal using:

  • A vest, harness or other visual indicator that clearly identifies your animal as a service animal
  • An Attorney‑General of Ontario guide dog photo ID card
  • A previously‑issued OC Service Animal card. Although no longer offered, existing cards remain a valid way to identify a service animal
  • A letter from a regulated health professional confirming you require the animal for reasons relating to a disability
Service dog wearing a service animal vest

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Text spelling web accessibility over an image of rider using screen readers on his laptop

Web standards

OC Transpo prioritizes accessibility in all its services. We work hard to make sure our content is barrier‑free. Content on this site conforms with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at AA level. This ensures high digital accessibility, and ease of information and navigation for all users.

We provide services to help you navigate our information in your preferred accessible format.

WCAG 2.1 Level AA 20213 certification by David Berman Communication badge

Looking for an accessible version of a City of Ottawa document? Fill in the Accessible formats document request form to receive an accessible copy. Provide:

  • Your contact details
  • Title of the City of Ottawa document you need
  • When you need it
  • Your preferred language (English or French)

We are committed to providing public transit services that are:

  • Customer‑focused
  • Safe
  • Reliable
  • Accessible to everyone

These policies outline delivery guidelines of accessible customer service to people with:

  • Assistive devices
  • Service animals
  • Support persons
  • Other needs using transit or our programs
 

Accessibility feedback

OC Transpo wants to hear from you! Please give your feedback about our accessibility programs and services through:

The online Customer Relations Feedback Form. Select the appropriate ‘Service Category’ from the drop‑down list on the form. Please provide as many details as possible so we can better investigate your concerns.

Phone: 613‑560‑5000

Email: accessibility@octranspo.com

Mail: OC Transpo Accessible Transit Specialist, 925 Belfast Road, Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z4

Fax: 613‑842‑3653

TTY: 613‑741‑5280

VRS: Canada Video Relay Services

In person: Rideau Centre OC Transpo Customer Service Centre

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