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.

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. Put your phone away to reduce distractions while on a platform or at a stop.
4. If the train is full, please wait for the next trip.
5. Don't step onto the tracks
6. Don’t run after the bus or O-Train. Another train or bus is on its way.
7. Only cross at designated areas.
8. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children or riding at night.
9. 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. You will know the doors are about to open when you hear a chime, see a flashing red light above the doors, and hear the announcement, "Doors opening. Ouverture des portes."
4. Hand sanitizer is available at all O-Train stations and most Transitway stations - pump some on before you jump on.
5. 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.
6. Let passengers exit before getting on. As long as the red light above the doors is solid red, the doors are open.
7. Watch your step, especially in the winter.
8. Make sure your carry-on items don’t get caught in the door.
9. Don't enter the train doors when they are closing. You will know the doors are closing when you hear a chime, see a flashing red light above the doors, and hear the announcement, "Doors closing. Fermeture des portes." If the doors are closing, don't hold the doors!

   

10. If you’re paying with cash, don’t forget your transfer!
11. Take a seat, if available, before the bus begins to move.
12. If you’re standing, please hold on to a hand strap or hand rail and make your way to the back of the bus. All of our buses are equipped with hand straps and hand rails that are cleaned and disinfected before going into service so you can ride securely.
13. Keep your drinks covered to avoid spilling on fellow riders.
14. 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, please hold on to a hand strap or hand rail. Buses might stop short to avoid an unexpected hazard on the road.

   O-Train Line 1 trains (Alstom Citadis Spirit)

   

   The O-Train Line 1 is designed to be safe and comfortable:

   • Slip-resistant, low-glare floors
   • Platform level-entry from all 14 doors
   • Smooth operation
   • Easy to reach grab bars
3. Make sure the driver has a clear line of sight. If you are standing, always stay behind the yellow line. Do not stand in the stairwell of double decker buses.
4. On trains, stay clear of doors when they are opening and closing.
5. We encourage you to take a seat if one become available.
6. Don’t use foul, offensive or discriminatory language.
7. Keep your arms and head inside the vehicle at all times.
8. Secure your carry-on items:
   • put blade guards on your skates, keep your drinks covered to avoid spilling fellow riders
   • put brakes on strollers
9. 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.
10. Take extra care if you are travelling with small children or riding at nightt.

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.

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. You will know the doors are about to open when you hear a chime, see a flashing red light above the doors, and hear the announcement, "Doors opening. Ouverture des portes." As long the light above the doors is solid red, the doors are open. You will know the doors are closing when you hear a chime, see a flashing red light above the doors, and hear the announcement, "Doors closing. Fermeture des portes." If the doors are closing, don't hold the doors!
3. Watch your step, especially in winter.
4. Hold onto hand straps or hand rails. These are cleaned and disinfected before going into service.
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.