How your trip will change

Highlights

8 things to know about your future trips

• Bus service changes: With the upcoming launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 later this year, 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.

New trains

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.

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.

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

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

Designed with your safety in mind

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

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.

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

Destinations

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.

O‑Train South launch transition

With the upcoming launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 later this year, 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:

• Routes that will be replaced, changed, or introduced
• Routes that will not change
• New Ways to Bus Network Map 2024

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.