How it works

Getting started

We're always working to improve your travel experience.

We aim to make every aspect of your journey—from planning your route to arriving at your destination—as simple, straightforward, and user‑friendly as possible.

Whether you’re new to Ottawa or trying our services for the first time, we've created a complete O-Train rider guide. Let’s get started:

Buying your fare 

Paying for your ride is simple. At every station, you will find easy‑to‑use ticket machines that accept cash, debit, and credit card. They even have live video-chat if you need help.

If you prefer, you can pay your fare right at the fare gate by tapping your credit card or mobile wallet.

Fare gates

The fare gates are the starting points of your journey on the O‑Train network. They read your Presto card, mobile wallet, or ticket.

They are simple to use and feature wide gates for those with mobility devices, strollers, luggage, or riding with young children.

And now, check out O-Payment - the new, convenient, and accessible way to pay for your O-Train journey. Just tap your credit card or mobile wallet on the fare reader to start your trip. Accepted methods include VISA, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. 

Use the same credit card for transfers and enjoy daily fare-capping. Check trip history at o-payment.octranspo.com. O-Payment is not available on STO. For discounts or STO transfers, use a Presto card.

Fare‑paid zones

Once you’ve made it past the fare gate, you’ve entered the fare‑paid zone. Major transfer stations like Algonquin or Lincoln Fields have fare-paid zones where you can transfer freely between buses and trains without needing to tap your card or show your ticket again.

To familiarize yourself with how these zones work and where to find them, check out our detailed guide:

My Alerts service

My Alerts keeps you posted with personalized real‑time service updates about your chosen routes. It's the easiest way to stay informed about any service changes or disruptions.

This knowledge helps make your commute predictable and stress‑free.

Navigating the stations

Our stations are easy to use and to navigate. You will find clear signage guiding you to your platform, exits, and available amenities. There are audio and tactile tools too.

In the station lobby, look out for the high‑definition Transit Information Screens. These offer real‑time updates on train schedules, routes, and service changes. 

Boarding and exiting the train

Boarding: stay away from the yellow platform edge while waiting for the train to arrive. Once the train comes to a complete stop, let others disembark. Then, step on.

Exiting: when you get to your station, wait until the train comes to a complete stop. Then, make your way to the doors, and step out.

Looking for more handy tips? We've got just what you need!

New features of the expanded O-Train system:

Safety and etiquette

Your safety and comfort are our top priority. Here are tips to ensure a pleasant journey for everyone:

• Mind the gap: Be careful when boarding or exiting the train.
• Be considerate: Give up your seat for those who need it more. Keep noise levels down. Throw your trash out when you arrive at the station.
• Stay behind the yellow line: For your safety, stay behind the yellow line on platforms until the train has come to a complete stop.
• Never ever step on the track, even to get your phone back.
• Use the emergency phones available at all stations to call the Special Constables Unit.

Customer service

If you need assistance, our customer service team is here to help. You can reach us:

• Through our Contact us page
• By calling 613‑560‑1000
• By tweeting us at @OC_TranspoHelps
• By video-chat at any ticket machine
• Or asking on‑site staff in a red vest

Wayfinding

Our wayfinding system simplifies navigating the extended network. It’s clear and usable. 

Understanding this system is easy. Whether you're a regular commuter or a first‑time visitor, we've made our signage and communications easy to understand.

Accessible wayfinding

We are fully committed to providing accessible wayfinding for our passengers. We’ve enhanced our stations to make them more user-friendly. We’re keeping the features you are already familiar with, such as:

• Tactile tiles and text
• Optimized colour contrasts in signage and transit information screens
• Audio announcements

We are also implementing new transit information screens to ensure that travel through our stations is easier for all commuters.

To learn more about these initiatives, please visit our dedicated section.

Transit information screens

Quick Facts:

• Bigger alerts section for real-time O-Train service updates
• User-friendly and intuitive layout
• Ad-free experience
• R1 replacement bus service locations 

The O-Train Extension will introduce new digital transit information screens. These screens will feature high contrast text and graphics for an accessible experience.

High-definition screens throughout our network, will bring you up-to-date, real-time information about service, estimated arrival times, and other essential travel details.

This feature will provide the vital information you need to connect to another O-Train line or bus and stay on schedule.

Plus, our screens will support wayfinding, making it easier for riders to locate their platform and ensure they're boarding the right train.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the new screens!

Audio information

In addition to signage, we've equipped our stations, platforms, and trains with accessible audio announcements.

This helps guide passengers and share important updates, ensuring everyone stays informed while navigating our extended O-Train.

Bus wayfinding

The intuitive navigation on the O-Train network extends to the city’s bus system. Many O-Train stations have connecting bus service and there are many information tools to guide you to your stop. These include:

• Digital information screens
• Backlit (static) information panels
• Suspended wayfinding signs
• Large, floor-mounted “info hub” signs that tell you which stop your route serves and where to find it.

On the bus stop sign, colour‑coded route numbers and symbols clearly indicate the type of service offered.

• Each symbol used for bus routes has a specific meaning. These symbols tell you what type of service that bus route provides. Service types also help you identify your route and better plan your trip.
• All routes connect to Line 1, 2, 3, or 4, except those numbered in the 100s and some 600‑series school routes. Learn more about route numbering.

Clear direction signs, tactile markers, and digital information screens ensure seamless navigation within the station.

Bus platform signs guide you to your connecting bus, and stops are grouped by destination. On‑board announcements keep you informed of upcoming stops.

Effortless transfers

Making connections is an important part of every big city’s transit system. The extended O‑Train network will continue to make transferring as seamless as possible.

Our station design and signage, and wayfinding tools will allow you to effortlessly switch between trains and buses.

Frequency

As the O-Train network expands, we remain committed to providing service that is frequent and reliable. Wherever you’re trying to go, you won't have to wait longer than a few minutes for your train.

We also understand that there will be moments when our service won’t be perfect. You can count on us to support you in these moments and work as hard as possible to provide alternatives and restore regular service as quickly as possible. 

Thank you for entrusting us with your journey.

Maintaining its high frequency with:

• Peak service every 5 minutes or less
• Frequent service throughout the day and never more than 15 minutes after midnight or on weekends

Every 12 minutes

Every 12 minutes

Schedules for Lines 1 and 3 extensions will be finalized closer to launches. 

Safety

Designed for a secure journey

Your safety is at the heart of the future extended O‑Train network.

You can feel confident and secure from the moment you plan your journey to the time you reach your destination. Safeguards have been carefully integrated into every stage of your commute.

Tell us what you saw: anonymous reporting tool

If you see an incident that raises concern, please report it to the Special Constables Unit. We accept anonymous submissions. Your participation can help us maintain the highest level of safety.

In case of emergency:

• All stations have emergency phones
• O-Train vehicles have emergency intercoms that connect you with the operator
• Articulated buses and double‑deckers have onboard passenger assistance alarms

Our overarching commitment to safety

Safety is at the core of everything we do, and this extends to our expanding O-Train network. OC Transpo’s Transecure initiatives strive to create a transit system that is safe for everyone:

• Passengers
• Staff
• The wider community

Transecure safety programs include:

• Transecure waiting areas on all train platforms
• Night stop at select bus stations
• Safe Stop along your bus route in your neighbourhood
• Our anonymous incident reporting system

We are also working with community partners and the media to create a culture of safety throughout our networks.