To prepare for increased ridership and normal seasonal service levels, additional health and safety measures come into effect Monday, June 15.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to change rapidly. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends that Ottawans strengthen their physical distancing measures and avoid gatherings of all sizes and non-essential travel outside the home. At the same time, 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 OPH to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps to help protect the health and safety of our staff and the public.
At this time, customers should only be using OC Transpo for essential travel needs.
If you are feeling sick, stay home and take the online self-assessment.
Help fight the spread of COVID-19. Do not use public transit if:
We are closely monitoring and reviewing ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Service adjustments are being made regularly across the network to reflect lower customer volumes and promote physical distancing.
Plan your trip in advance as service reductions may result in changes to your regular trip times. We suggest adjusting your commute times, if possible, to help lessen the volume of passengers during morning and afternoon peak periods.
While you are in stations or riding buses or trains:
Wearing a non-medical mask may provide extra protection for you and those around you from COVID-19. A mask can be helpful when physical distancing is hard to maintain, like in a grocery store or on the bus. Remember, masks are not a replacement for physical distancing, hand washing, and monitoring your health.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, as soon as possible or when you reach your destination.
OC Transpo has put several measures in place to protect our customers and employees. These measures include enhanced daily cleaning of all vehicle types, stations, and employee areas. Additionally, we have:
OC Transpo is providing an anti-viral disinfectant for users of non-revenue vehicles (Special Constables, OC supervisors, etc.) for start-of-shift wipe downs.
Para Transpo continues regular service during the pandemic. Para Transpo volumes are currently low and all trips are being accommodated.
All Para Transpo vehicles undergo enhanced cleaning each day. Common touch points are also sanitized with a disinfectant cleaner by the Para Transpo Operator.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been provided to all Para Transpo Operators. Each Operator is equipped with gloves, face shields, masks, and hand sanitizer.
For FAQs about Para Transpo applications during the pandemic, click here.
If a customer has or is suspected to have COVID-19 and requires transportation to a medical facility or to an assessment centre, OC Transpo will work with the customer to provide them with a transportation option that ensures their safety and the safety of other customers and the operator or driver.
We are not requiring customers to wear masks. Customers can wear masks if they choose to.
Para Transpo’s number one priority is the health and safety of customers and staff. Operators and drivers will limit close contact as much as possible. We are also limiting the number of customers in a vehicle at one time, cleaning and sanitizing all touch points and following medical advice as it becomes available or changes. We are also trying to segregate more vulnerable customers such as dialysis patients as much as possible.
Para Transpo is transporting customers to hospitals at certain doors as outlined by the hospitals. We are in communication with local hospitals to ensure proper safety measures are maintained.
Yes, all vehicles, including buses and taxis, are being sanitized after each trip.
Yes, all Para Transpo taxi vehicles have plastic dividers between the front and back seat.
You are allowed to bring one person with you in the vehicle when you travel. Remember though that your companion is responsible to pay a fare when travelling.
If you have medical information on file saying that you need the assistance of a support person for your trip, the support person does not pay a fare. If your file says that a support person is required at all times, you will not be able to travel without having the support person present. If your file specifies you only need a support person occasionally, you need to specify for each trip if the support person is required, so that we can allow for space.
Yes, regularly scheduled Para Transpo trips are automatically suspended on holidays, with the exception of Easter Sunday and Remembrance Day. Customers can submit holiday booking requests using the online reservation form or by calling 613-244-7272.
Yes, Para Transpo Operators continue to accept fare payments from customers.
Protecting the health and safety of our staff and our customers is OC Transpo’s top priority. We work closely with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and the City of Ottawa’s Office of Emergency Management to proactively track and quickly respond to incidents of COVID-19 among OC Transpo staff.
If you are feeling sick, stay home and take the online self-assessment.
Information from Ottawa Public Health (OPH):
To stay informed on the latest COVID-19 developments in Ottawa, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.com or
Special thanks to all of our frontline workers and staff.
Show your support for our frontline workers on Twitter at @OC_Transpo #thankyouOC
