Winter travels
Providing safe and reliable transit service for customers is our top priority.
When winter weather is forecast, some changes to bus types, trips, and schedules may occur. This is to ensure a safe and reliable service when road conditions are bad and ridership is lower.
During these times, we monitor our bus, O-Train Line 1 and Para Transpo service for any necessary adjustments. During extreme weather, customers should give themselves more time and expect delays.
There may also be several bus stops located on slopes across the city that will be temporarily closed. This is due to road conditions in the area that make it difficult to serve.
Bus stops not in use
| 560# not in use | Routes | Alternate |
|---|---|---|
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#3060 -- Bayview B |
|
Scott (south-side) / Bayview Station Road |
|
#1565 -- Montreal (south-side) / Den Haag |
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|
#7367 -- Carling (north-side) / Sherwood |
|
Carling (north-side) / Sherwood |
|
#6441 -- Carling (south-side) / Grenon |
|
|
|
#2990 -- Meadowlands (south-side) / Chesterton |
|
|
|
#3004 -- Albert (north-side) / Bay |
|
|
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#1152 -- Data Centre (west-side) / Billings Bridge Station Access |
|
Billings Bridge Station |
|
No bus stops affected. |
|
Detour: From Albert westbound at Bayview Station, turn right onto Bayview Station Road, continue through roundabout, turn left onto Albert, right onto Preston, and continue to regular route. |
In addition to the service changes when extreme weather is forecast, a special Severe Storm Schedule may be implemented.
When will it be in effect?
The Severe Storm Schedule will be in effect for buses on weekdays when 31 cm or more of snow is expected. Other severe weather conditions that could impact bus operation may also bring this schedule into effect. This could include a mixture of wet, heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain.
If weather condition improves after being in effect or is less severe than expected, we will not continue with the Severe Storm Schedule.
OC Transpo will work to restore regular service levels.
How will bus service change?
On weekdays, most bus services will be based on a reduced schedule, with limited service early mornings and on weekday-only routes. On some routes, trips may be adjusted or added to follow the weekday alignment.
Trips will be added to select routes servicing hospitals.
Adjustments to bus types that are in operation will be made. This includes replacing many articulated buses with 40-foot or double-decker buses, as they tend to operate better in heavy snow.
Normal schedule
400-series and 450-series routes will operate for special events.
The following routes would operate on a normal weekday schedule:
- E1
- 21
- 31
- 158
- 164
- 165
- 166
- 176
- 198
- 221
- 231
- 237
- 258
- 261
- 263
- 264
- 265
- 270
- 283
- 299
The following routes would operate on normal Saturday schedule:
- R2
- 5
- 6
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 14
- 16
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 24
- 26
- 28
- 32
- 34
- 35
- 42
- 44
- 46
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 54
- 63
- 82
- 85
- 87
- 89
- 90
- 92
- 93
- 96
- 98
- 99
- 110
- 111
- 131
- 138
- 140
- 153
- 162
- 168
- 171
- 175
- 190
- 197
Reduced schedule
The following routes would operate on a modified weekday schedule:
- 15
- 23
- 27
- 33
- 37
- 47
- 64
- 66
- 67
- 73
- 84
- 173
- 187
- 222
- 228
- 232
- 234
- 236
- 252
- 256
- 257
- 262
- 267
- 268
- 271
- 272
- 273
- 277
- 278
- 282
- 290
- 291
- 294
The following routes would operate on a modified Saturday schedule:
- 7
- 9
- 25
- 30
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 45
- 53
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 61
- 62
- 74
- 75
- 80
- 81
- 83
- 86
- 88
- 97
- 170
Will not operate
All 600-series School Routes and any school trips on regular routes would not operate.
The following routes would not operate:
- 114
- 141
- 154
- 155
- 161
- 186
- 199
- 301
- 302
- 303
- 304
- 305
When will I be informed?
Customers will be notified a day in advance, through a variety of ways:
- Sign up for My Alerts to receive a text message or email.
- Follow us on Twitter @OCTranspo Live and on Facebook at OC Transpo.
- Look for a blue banner notice at the top of our website.
- View notices on Transit Information Screens at stations.
- Check the news as media outlets will be advised.
The Transit app and other third party apps will not display the special schedule.
Real-time travel tools 560560, 613-560-5000, Transit Information Screens at stations, and the Travel Planner, will reflect the Severe Storm Schedule in effect for that day. With those, you will be able to plan your trips reliably.
Infographic of what to expect during a Severe Storm Schedule
Click the image above for a closer look.
How do we prepare for winter service?
Work begins months in advance so that we can continue to offer customers safe and reliable service, regardless of the weather. Before each snow event, OC Transpo closely monitors weather conditions and may adjust service depending on the severity of each event.
When snow is in the forecast, we do our best to assign buses that perform best. Articulated buses have a harder time on the road compared to our regular buses. When possible, buses such as 40-foot buses are strategically deployed instead.
When snow begins to fall, snow is cleared on as many bus routes as possible, as well as Transitway stations, Park & Rides, platforms, and around shelters.
On the O-Train, switch heaters help melt ice and snow before it can accumulate. Heated train platforms also help prevent snow and ice from building up. Additionally, running trains overnight, helps to reduce snow and ice from building up.
My Alerts is the best and most reliable way to be in the know. Get notified instantly when the Severe Snow Schedule is in effect or when a detour may impact your normal trip. A text message would be sent directly to your cellphone or an email would be sent right to your inbox. Sign up for My Alerts today!How can you prepare for winter travel?
- With the Transit app you can track your bus in real-time.
- Dress warmly as weather-related delays are likely.
- Leave early and give yourself plenty of travel time.
- Consider combining biking with transit. The Rack & Roll program is now permanently year-round.
- Regularly check our website, follow us on Twitter, or sign up for My Alerts to be notified of any disruptions to service.
- Wear good footwear and watch your step.
- Don’t run after the bus or O-Train. Another train or bus is on its way.
- Tap your Presto card, credit card, or mobile wallet to pay your fare quickly and avoid searching for coins in the cold.
- There are heaters in many Line 1 and Transitway stations
- If the destination sign on the front of the bus is hard to see, you can listen to external announcements.