Travel tips
Here are a few tips to stay safe every step of your journey:
Planning
Planning your trip in advance can help to reduce the rush while you're on your way.
- Use the Travel Planner, or Transit App.
- Sign up for alerts to stay in the know.
- Check your fare in advance.
- Make sure to bring exact change, if you are paying with cash.
- Remember to load your Presto card before you ride.
- Find out more about fares.
- Only bring items on board that you can safely carry on your own.
- Check the rules around travelling with pets.
- Service animals are welcome on board all vehicles.
- Heading to an Ottawa event or venue? Check out our destinations page for directions and transit options.
- Talk to them about transit safety before you head out.
- If you're a kid travelling alone, tell an adult where you're going and how you'll get there.
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 when planning your trip to increase your sense of security on transit.
- Work out the safest path to reach your destination.
- Account for 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.
- Check the station maps in advance to find out where the emergency call boxes and payphones are.
Waiting
- Wait at a designated stop or platform away from the platform edge or curb.
- Plan ahead to have your fare ready and be aware of your surroundings.
- If you are paying with cash, remember that you will need exact change.
- Give the bus or train lots of room to pull up before you board.
- In O-Train stations, the platform edge is marked by yellow, tactile material. At transitway stations, it is marked with stamped concrete.
- Put away your phone.
- Turn down your headphones.
- Never, ever step on the tracks.
- If you drop something, let an OC Transpo employee know.
- Never touch or hit a bus, train or Para Transpo vehicle.
- If a vehicle pulls away from the stop, don't run after it. Wait for the next one.
- If you need to cross the bus roadway, always follow signage.
- Only cross at designated crossings.
- This may mean taking a slightly longer route, but your safety is always worth it.
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 while waiting 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.
After 9 pm, use the station's Night Stop. - Note the locations of 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
- Avoid accidents by not rushing when you board.
- Always let other customers exit the vehicle before you enter. If you need help boarding, let your driver know.
- Wait until the bus or train comes to a full stop before approaching.
- Stand to the side to leave room for customers on board exit before you get on.
- Don't push your way into the vehicles while others are exiting.
- All buses are able to "kneel" and have ramps for easy boarding.
- Ask the bus operator to lower the bus and lower the ramp so that you can step on easily.
- Take care not to get any clothing or items caught in the doors.
- Don't try to enter the train doors when they are closing.
- Holding the doors holds up the ride for everyone.
- Move to the back of the bus to leave space for others to get on.
- If you are standing, hold on to the handrails or straps.
- Apply the brakes to your mobility device once you are in place.
Security tips
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 while boarding to increase your sense of security on transit.
- If someone is making you or another customer feel uneasy, keep your distance and tell the operator.
Riding
- Enjoy a safe ride! Take a seat, if one is available. Hold on to the handrails and secure your bags.
- Give up your seat in the Cooperative (priority) seating to anyone who needs it.
- If you're standing, hold on to the handrails or straps. This will keep you safe in case the bus needs to stop short to avoid a hazard.
- Move out of the way for others who need to enter or exit.
- Don't use offensive or discriminatory language.
- Respect others' personal space.
- Keep skate guards on skates and carry them at your side.
- Keep the lids on your drinks.
- Be sure to put the brakes on strollers.
- Pull the cord or press the red button to request the bus to signal that you want to get off at the next stop.
- After 7 pm you can ask your driver to drop you off at a safe spot along the route.
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 while riding to increase your sense of security on transit.
- 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 ask your driver to drop you off at a safe spot along the route.
Exiting
- Keep safety in mind even as you leave the vehicle. Prepare to exit safely and don't rush.
- Don't pry or force the bus or train doors open.
- Make sure your clothing or items don't get caught in the door.
- Wait for the bus to pull away before crossing the street.
- Don't cross in front of a bus that is about to leave.
- If you're at a station, follow signage on the platform to catch your transfer or leave the station.
- Only cross the bus roadway at designated crosswalks.
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 while exiting to increase your sense of security on transit.
- After 7 pm you can ask your driver to drop you off at a safe spot along the route.
- If there's someone suspicious at your stop, tell the driver and don't get off the vehicle.
- When walking to your destination, avoid taking shortcuts through dimly lit or isolated areas.
- If you're harassed or threatened, or if someone seems lost or in trouble, flag down any bus or transit employee you see.
- 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.
Safe travels
Safe transit is everyone's responsibility. Read our safety tips and report any incidents that you may witness.
Learn More about Safe travelsRiding at night
Travel safely at night with our Safe Stop program and by reporting unsafe situations.
Learn More about Riding at nightRiding with kids
Tips for travelling safely with children and preparing children to travel on their own.
Learn More about Riding with kids