Service adjustments
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to change rapidly. Ottawa Public Health (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 Ottawa Public Health to make transit as safe as possible. Every step along the way, our priority is the health and safety of our employees and customers.
Working together with OPH and the City of Ottawa’s Office of Emergency Management, we proactively track and quickly respond to incidents of COVID-19 among OC Transpo staff.
Returning to normal schedule
Full bus and train service has resumed. Plan your trip in advance as service adjustments may result in changes to your regular trip times.
Boarding adjustments
O-Train Line 1
O-Train Line 1
- Customers and employees will be required to wear cloth masks or equivalent face coverings when entering buses, trains, stations, shelters, and Para Transpo minibuses and contracted taxis. Customers can visit Ottawa Public Health for information on purchasing and/or making their own cloth masks;
- Use full length of the platform when boarding;
- Doors closest to Operator cab will be in operation, increasing space as we move to normal service levels;
- Customers are still be able to use Cooperative seating areas in all parts of the train.
Buses
Buses
- Customers and employees will be required to wear cloth masks or equivalent face coverings when entering buses, trains, stations, shelters, and Para Transpo minibuses and contracted taxis. Customers can visit Ottawa Public Health for information on purchasing and/or making their own cloth masks;
- Front-door boarding will be reinstated on June 15, allowing more space for customers, and allowing customers to pay fares normally. Customers who use Presto or U-Pass cards should continue to board and tap their cards at the rear doors of articulated and double-decker buses;
- Exit at the rear of the bus when possible;
- Protective shields for drivers will be installed on all conventional buses by June 15.
Customer Service Centres are closed
Due to the province wide stay-at-home order, the Rideau Customer Service Centre will be closed starting Thursday, April 8.
Most transactions can be completed online, at participating retailers, by phone, or at ticket machines; customers can call us at 613-741-4390 to find the best way to avoid in-person line ups.
All other OC Transpo Customer Service Centres remain closed.
Due to the province wide stay-at-home order, Service Ottawa Client Service Centres will be temporarily closed Starting April 8.
During this time, Ticket Machines, Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws store locations, as well as Prestocard.ca are alternatives for most transactions. ParaPay accounts can be loaded by phone (613-741-4390) or online.
Below are different ways you can purchase or renew transit products:
Presto
Purchase, load, and query a Presto card at:
- Ticket Machines
- Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws
- Prestocard.ca
Set up auto-renew or an e-purse top up online at Prestocard.ca or with the Presto app (Apple and Android).
Discounted fares
Senior and youth fares can be set at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws locations.
New applications and renewals for the EquiPass discount program can be submitted by postal mail or fax.
New applications and renewals for the Community Pass and Access Pass discount programs can be submitted by telephone. Postal mail or fax are also available.
ParaPay
To set up ParaPay, call 613-741-4390.
Load your ParaPay account:
- By phone 613-741-4390
- Online at parapay.octranspo.com
- By mail:
- Write cheque to “City of Ottawa”, and include your Client ID and name in the memo field
Mail cheque to: City of Ottawa, Attn: Para Transpo, 925 Belfast Road, Ottawa ON K1G 0Z4
- Write cheque to “City of Ottawa”, and include your Client ID and name in the memo field
a-cards
To request a new or replacement a-card, please contact our Accessibility Specialist:
- By email at accessibility@octranspo.com
- By telephone at 613-741-4390
Lost & Found
Until further notice, OC Transpo Lost & Found, managed by Heartwood House, has made the following changes:
- New office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 2 pm. Calls will only be accepted during these hours.
- The public is no longer allowed to visit the office. You can pick up urgently needed items (wallet, purse, work device and medication) by appointment. To book a time:
- Call 613-563-4011
- Email lostandfound@heartwoodhouse.ca
- All other items will be held in storage until it is safe to resume normal operations. In the meantime, you can call to have your name placed on your item.