Travel tips

Planning

Transit basics

  1. Figure out the best route to get to your destination (We recommend the Travel Planner).
  2. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow for variations in the bus schedules.
  3. Make sure you have the full, exact fare

    Our fare boxes cannot give back change. Keep in mind that your PRESTO purchases may take a few hours to load onto the card readers so you might want to load up in advance.

  4. Make sure any carry-on items you want to bring on board are safe for public vehicles.
  5. Make sure you are suitably dressed to board our vehicles: shoes and a shirt are required on buses and the O-Train.
  6. You can get real-time info on detours, elevator service and cancelled trips on the go.
  7. Learn about our emergency evacuation procedures

Security tips

We recognize that victims of crime are not responsible for the offences committed against them. We offer these tips as additional precautions you can take to increase your sense of security on transit.

  • Work out the safest path to reach your destination: take into account walking distance and choose busier streets over isolated areas.
  • Let someone know where you’re going, how you’re travelling and when you expect to reach your destination.
  • Use the station maps to find out where the emergency call boxes and payphones are.

Waiting

Transit basics

  1. Have your fare ready.
  2. Don't crowd the curb when the bus is pulling in. Wait on the sidewalk by the bus stop sign.
  3. Don't step onto the tracks A phone on the tracks. Image text: Never ever step on the track, even to get your phone back. Ask an OC Transpo employee or use the emergency phone on the platform for help.
  4. Don’t run after the bus or O-Train.
  5. Only cross at designated areas.
  6. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children or riding at night.
  7. You can get real-time information on detours, elevator service and cancelled trips on the go.

Security tips

We recognize that victims of crime are not responsible for the offences committed against them. We offer these tips as additional precautions you can take to increase your sense of security on transit.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: avoid distractions like texting or listening to loud music.
  • Keep to well-lit and open areas, and use the station’s Night Stop after 9 pm.
  • If you are at a Transitway station, find the emergency call boxes or payphones.
  • If you are harassed or threatened, or if you see someone who seems to be lost or in trouble, flag down any OC Transpo vehicle or employee for help.

Boarding

Transit basics

  1. Don’t run after the bus or O-Train.
  2. Don't crowd the curb when the bus is pulling in. Wait on the sidewalk by the bus stop sign.
  3. Wait until the vehicle comes to a full stop.
  4. If you are paying with cash, always use the front doors – riders with a valid and loaded PRESTO card may board from the back doors on articulated (long) buses.
  5. Let passengers exit before getting on.
  6. Watch your step, especially in the winter.
  7. Hold onto the hand rails.
  8. Make sure your carry-on items don’t get caught in the door.
  9. Don't hold the doors!

    Man prying open train doors with image text: Everyone is held up if the doors are held open

  10. If you’re paying with cash, don’t forget your transfer!
  11. If you’re standing, make your way towards the back of the bus.
  12. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children.

Security tip

We recognize that victims of crime are not responsible for the offences committed against them. We offer this tip as an additional precaution you can take to increase your sense of security on transit.

  • If someone is making you or another passenger feel uneasy, keep your distance and tell the driver.

Riding

Transit basics

  1. Give up your seat in the Cooperative Seating area to anyone who needs it.
  2. If you're standing, hold tightly onto the grab rails and make your way towards the back of the bus.
  3. Don’t use foul, offensive or discriminatory language.
  4. Keep your arms and head inside the vehicle at all times.
  5. Secure your carry-on items:
    • put blade guards on your skates, keep your drinks covered to avoid spilling fellow riders
    • put brakes on strollers
  6. Use the bell (pull cord or red button) to signal that you want to get off at the next stop. With the Safe Stop, if it’s after 7 pm, you can request to have the driver let you leave a safe spot that is closer to your destination along the route.
  7. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children or riding at night.

Security tips

We recognize that victims of crime are not responsible for the offences committed against them. We offer these tips as additional precautions you can take to increase your sense of security on transit.

Woman using the train's emergency phone with image text: If something's not right, use the emergency phone to speak to the train operator. Don't worry about delaying the train

  1. Give up your seat in the Cooperative Seating area to anyone who needs it.
  2. If you’re standing, hold tightly onto the grab rails and make your way towards the back of the bus.
  3. Don’t use foul, offensive or discriminatory language.
  4. Keep your arms and head inside the vehicle at all times.
  5. Secure your carry-on items:
    • Put blade guards on your skates, keep your drinks covered to avoid spilling fellow riders
    • Put brakes on strollers
  6. Use the bell (pull cord or red button) to signal that you want to get off at the next stop. With the Safe Stop, if it’s after 7 pm, you can request to have the driver let you leave a safe spot that is closer to your destination along the route.
  7. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children or riding at night.
    • If you’re on a double-decker or articulated (long) bus or on the O-Train, locate the intercom system or Passenger Assistance Alarm (PAA).
    • If you’re lost, sick, harassed or threatened or see someone who is, tell the driver or another passenger or use the PAA.
    • Keep your handbag or knapsack on your lap instead of on the seat beside you and keep your valuables hidden.
    • Stay awake: be aware of other passengers on the vehicle and look out and listen for your upcoming stop.
    • After 7 pm, you can request to have the driver let you leave a safe spot along the route that is closer to your destination.

Exiting

Transit basics

  1. Wait until the vehicle comes to a full stop.
  2. Don’t pry the doors open or try to block them from closing. Man prying open train doors with image text: Everyone is held up if the doors are held open
  3. Watch your step, especially in winter.
  4. Hold onto hand rails.
  5. Make sure your scarves, handbags or shoelaces don’t get caught in the door.
  6. Wait for the bus to leave before crossing.
  7. Only cross at designated crossings.
  8. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children or riding at night.

Security tips

We recognize that victims of crime are not responsible for the offences committed against them. We offer these tips as additional precautions you can take to increase your sense of security on transit.

  • If it’s after 7 pm, you can request a Safe Stop, this means asking the driver to drop you off at a safe spot along the route that is closer to your destination.
  • If there’s someone suspicious at your stop, don’t get off the vehicle and tell the driver.
  • When walking to your destination, avoid taking shortcuts through dimly lit or isolated areas.
  • If at any point you are harassed or threatened, or if you see someone who seems to be lost or in trouble, flag down any OC Transpo vehicle or employee you see along the way.
  • Walk at a brisk pace. Stay alert until you reach your destination: lower the volume of your music and don’t text and walk.
  • Let anyone who might be worried about you know you’ve arrived safe and sound.