How your trip will change

Updated on September 25, 2024

Once complete, the future O‑Train network will transform the way Ottawa moves! Effortless transfers make it easy to switch between lines. Plus, bus service and new multi-use pathways and bridges mean more connections to the O-Train. New trains will offer a swifter, comfier ride. Explore new destinations, as our expanded network takes you farther.

Ready to discover the new features? Let's jump right in.

Highlights

8 things to know about your future trips

  • Bus service changes: Following the upcoming launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4, we're rolling out significant updates to our bus network. Guided by the 2023 Bus Route Review , the New Ways to Bus network emphasizes what matters most to you: enhanced frequency, improved local service right in your neighbourhood, and better connections to key destinations.
  • Seamless connections: Easily switch between O‑Train lines. Transfers between O‑Train lines and buses are free. This makes it easy to explore the city at no extra charge.
  • Bike and pedestrian-friendly: New pathways, bridges and bike amenities on the expanded network improve access for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • New destinations: Discover vibrant neighbourhoods, foodie hotspots, and outdoor havens, thanks to new O‑Train stations across the city.
  • Campus connections: New stops at Carleton University and Algonquin College simplify student commutes.
  • New trains: Modern and spacious Stadler FLIRT trains will serve Line 2 and Alstom Lint trains will run on Lines 2 and 4. We’re also extending service on Lines 1 and 3 with additional Alstom Citadis Spirits.
  • Integrated mobility: Your future trips will now seamlessly connect with other transportation modes, including VIA Rail trains, the Ottawa Airport, and intercity buses.
  • Park & Ride: New Park & Ride locations make it easier to connect to transit.

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New trains

New Train Icon

The Stadler FLIRT trains will nearly double the capacity of Line 2, which runs from Bayview Station to Limebank Station.

This train model is used in 21 countries, from the Arctic Circle to Africa.

Seven trains in total will serve the line, with six running daily and one backup. The trains are 81.1 m long and can carry 420 passengers.

The trains were built in Stadler's Swiss factory and shipped to Ottawa for final checks. We’ve been testing trains along Line 2 since 2022.

Stadler FLIRT

The acronym FLIRT stands for Fast Light Innovative Regional Train. The FLIRT will run approximately every 12 minutes on Line 2. Each train can carry 420 passengers. This modern train service will connect South Ottawa with the rest of the city.

Fast, light, and modern

Quick facts:

  • Accessible
  • Fast
  • Heated and air conditioned
  • Built for winter: Find these trains in Belarus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, and Poland

Image of FLIRT train

FLIRT features

Train Features Icon
  • Lightweight aluminium construction
  • Maintenance-friendly build with proven components
  • Low energy consumption by storing excess power
  • Diesel-powered train model
  • Capable of reaching 80 km/h
  • Meets all regulations for reduced NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions
  • Each train set has two cab cars, two passenger coaches, and one diesel power pack car.

Trains virtual tours
Step inside the trains with our 360 tour

Both trains have a maximum operational speed of 80 km/h.

FLIRT Train

LINT Train

While not technically new, the LINT Train will operate on Line 4, connecting passengers from Line 2 at South Keys Station to the Airport Station.

Outside look

The Stadler FLIRTs feature the red-and-white exterior design seen on the Alstom Citadis Spirit trains.

The FLIRT trainset is made up of four cars and a central "Power Pack" unit.

Train cars are semi-permanently attached for optimal performance.

Learn more about the Stadler FLIRT
Render of new FLIRT train exterior
Graphic of the Stadler train front view
Graphic of the Stadler train side view
Image of new FLIRT train interior

Onboard experience

Get ready for a smooth ride! Here’s what you can expect onboard:

  • Seats for nearly 200 passengers
  • Up to 420 passengers at full capacity
  • Foldable armrests on most seats
  • Full LED lighting
  • Passenger information screens for upcoming stops
  • 16 doors (8 on each side) for quick level boarding
  • Space for mobility devices, bikes, and strollers

Built for accessibility

The trains feature low-level floors for easy access from station platforms.
There are eight cooperative seating areas per train. Each section can comfortably accommodate two people using mobility devices.

  • Spacious interior for easy circulation
  • Wide doors and low-level floors for ease of access from the station platforms
  • Larger accessibility seating areas (both ends of train)
  • Synchronized audio and visual passenger announcements
  • Bright yellow and easy-to-reach handholds and grab bars throughout
Render of new FLIRT train interior

Designed with your safety in mind


Image of new FLIRT train interior

Like the Alstom Citadis Spirit trains running on Line 1, the new Stadler FLIRT trains will have many safety features including:

  • CCTVs (security cameras) covering all passenger areas
  • Emergency braking system
  • Direct emergency intercom to the operator
  • New signal and train control system to manage trains along the line
420
passengers
7
new vehicles
80
metre length

New train yards for O‑Train extensions

Two new maintenance and storage facilities were built for the new O‑Train network:

  • Albion Yard (for O‑Train Lines 2 and 4)
  • Corkstown Yard (for O‑Train Lines 1 and 3).

At these yards, technicians will maintain the trains, infrastructure and operating systems of the extended service.

Bird's eye image of train operation centre at Corkstown Yard from outside

Albion Yard – O‑Train Lines 2 and 4.

Bird's eye image of train operation centre at Albion Yard from outside

Corkstown Yard – O‑Train Lines 1 and 3.

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Transfers

Easily switch between lines

Connections Icon

The expanded O-Train network makes transferring easier with:

  • Stations designed to facilitate transferring
  • Short wait times
  • Easy-to-follow signage and digital information screens
  • Up-to-the-minute audio and visual announcements

Major O‑Train line transfer stations

Render of Bayview station Multiuser pathway

Bayview Station

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

This station is the transfer point between Line 1 and Line 2. When the west extension is complete, Line 3 will connect here as well.

Render of South Keys station

South Keys Station

Whether you're travelling from downtown or from the south end of Ottawa on Line 2, South Keys Station is your go-to transfer point for accessing Line 4 to the airport.

Go between lines on the same platform! Line 4 trains to the airport use the same southbound platform as Line 2 trains to Limebank. So, you won’t have to go far to transfer on your journey to the airport.

Render of Lincoln Fields station

Lincoln Fields Station

This major station is the last transfer point between Line 1 and Line 3 before the two lines split. The station has three train platforms with clear signage for passengers travelling to Algonquin, Moodie or Trim.

How to transfer

Step 1

As you ride the train, look or listen for the announcement of your transfer station.

Step 2

  • Exit the train at your transfer station
  • Check the platform signs or listen to announcements
  • Confirm the number of the platform where you need to go

Step 3

Follow directional or elevator signage to easily find your train platform. 

Lincoln Fields station new signage

Signage and information tools

The O‑Train network provides clear, easy-to-understand information, signage, and wayfinding for passengers. Maps, illuminated signs, and real-time digital displays help users navigate the system and make informed decisions about transfers.

Transit App

If you’re looking for a dedicated mobile app, we recommend Transit app. The app offers real-time updates, trip planning, and notices about service disruptions. It is available in English and French and fully accessible. Transit app lets you save your favourites and access schedules offline. In addition, we have unlocked all paid features for you, including advance trip-planning options and game-like achievements. To give you more app options, we also provide real-time schedule data to developers in our community.

Render of Limebank station

Bus connections

Almost all stations along Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 connect to the bus system. Major transfer stations like Moodie, Algonquin and Trim will have large bus platforms inside the fare-paid zone to make connecting fast and simple. Large information hub signs and digital displays will tell you when and where to catch your bus.

Many stations have bus connections on the street near the station entrances. This makes it easier for passengers going to and from their neighbourhoods.

 

Park & Ride: more spaces!

New and improved Park & Ride locations offer thousands of free spaces. They provide a convenient way to connect to rapid transit. Ideal for commuting, a night out, or discovering the city, these lots provide a low-cost alternative to paid parking at your destination.

New Park & Rides:

Bowesville

Render of Bowesville station

782 spaces

Provides parking for southern communities like Greely, Manotick and Metcalfe.

Leitrim

Render of Leitrim

45 spaces, expanding to 925

Provides parking for southern communities like Riverside South and Barrhaven.

Trim

Render of Trim station

Up to 1,000 spaces

Provides parking for eastern communities like Orléans and Cumberland.

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Destinations

Destinations Icon

Explore Ottawa's vibrant neighbourhoods with the expanded O‑Train network! New stops will bring rail service to top destinations. Food lovers will have convenient access to culinary hotspots, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate new connections to the city's beautiful parks, outdoor spaces, and pathways.

And for students, stations at Carleton University and Algonquin College will make campus life more accessible.

Introducing the Map of the network once O-Train Extension project is complete. This map outlines the routes of Line 1, spanning from Trim in the east to Algonquin in the west, and Line 3, connecting Trim to Moodie and intersecting with Line 1 at each station until Lincoln Fields. Notably, Bayview station serves as a pivotal interchange, facilitating seamless transfers between Line 1, Line 3, and Line 2 towards the south end. Line 2 runs from Bayview in the north to Limebank in the South, and features convenient connections to Line 4 (airport link) at South Keys Station. Graphic map of all four O-Train lines with their landmarks

Taking off? We've got you covered!

Direct airport connection

New Line 4 provides a direct link to Ottawa International Airport. Experience frequent service, comfortable seats, and roomy trains with space for your luggage. Sit back, relax, and leave the transportation to us, while you focus on your upcoming journey. Don't forget your passport!

Render of Airport station

Travel to class in style

Ottawa's extended O‑Train network will serve three major post-secondary campuses in the area: Algonquin College, Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

With trains running frequently from early morning to late night, spend less time waiting for the bus and more time focusing on your academic and social life.

Carleton University

Carleton university entrance sign

Algonquin College

Algonquin college building

uOttawa

uOttawa building
 

Nature lovers rejoice

Ottawa's great outdoors by O‑Train

New stations offer convenient access to picturesque parks, scenic spots, and green spaces. Whether you're seeking a peaceful picnic spot, biking trail, or a playground, the extended O-Train network can take you there. Adventure awaits, so hop on and let the O‑Train be your guide!

Dow's Lake Station

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O‑Train South launch transition

Following the upcoming launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4, we're rolling out significant updates to our bus network. Guided by the 2023 Bus Route Review , the New Ways to Bus network emphasizes what matters most to you: enhanced frequency, improved local service right in your neighbourhood, and better connections to key destinations.

Expect to see a comprehensive transformation: some routes will be retired, others will be renumbered or newly launched, and many will be adjusted to better serve your travel needs.

We understand that change can be challenging, and we're committed to supporting you. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible, ensuring you feel informed and confident in navigating the new system.

What to expect

You will see a shift from downtown-focused bus routes to routes that improve connections to community hubs and key destinations. Some customers may have to go farther to the bus stop, have additional transfers to buses or trains, and/or have faster travel times.

In addition to fewer connection routes, some routes will be retired due to low ridership and to improve connections to new routes and the O-Train. Retired routes will be replaced with alternative service nearby.

Quick Links:

For detailed information and to stay updated, we encourage you to visit our New Ways to Bus Page. Here, you'll find all the resources you need to familiarize yourself with the new routes and adjustments.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can send us an email at newwaystobus@ottawa.ca or call us at 613-560-5000.

New Bus Icon

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