The next major OC Transpo seasonal schedule changes begin on Sunday, August 30, just ahead of back-to-school and the end of summer holidays.
At a high level
- Frequency on O-Train Line 1 will be improved, to accommodate increased ridership associated with the return to office. On O-Train Line 2, timetables will adjust to generally provide earlier first trips and later last trips.
- Several changes are coming as part of OC Transpo’s Your ride made better campaign, which includes new express service, targeted bus service improvements within the city and to/from Gatineau, and improved service reliability.
- School trips and school routes in the 600-series will resume after the summer. Changes to some school service have been made based on observed ridership levels and the result of some schools transferring from OC Transpo buses to yellow school buses.
More information
- As part of the Customer-First Action Plan, OC Transpo is introducing new options for commuters, while continuing to increase service and reliability across the transit network and on Para Transpo to support the return to work and school.
- They are also making quarterly adjustments to bus routing to meet higher seasonal ridership, support school service, special events and holidays, and to keep service moving through construction projects.
- Full fall schedules are available on the Travel Planner. Check your route to see if departure times have changed.
- Transit, a free mobile app, has real-time transit information and trip planning on-the-go. Learn more about Transit.
O-Train frequency
- Line 1 O-Train will run double-car train service on weekdays, with increased frequency:
– Every 4 minutes at peak periods (previously 5)
– Every 6 minutes midday (previously 10)
– Every 7 minutes in the early evening (previously 10)
Improved reliability
- New electric bus fleet to provide customers with clean, comfortable trips.
- More reliable schedules on 30 bus routes serving 50 per cent of customers.
- Ongoing monitoring of all routes to adjust service where it’s needed.
- Improved maintenance to keep vehicles in service.
- Additional staff present across the network to support customers and safety.
New peak-period Express routes
- New peak-period Express routes will serve Park & Ride lots, key employment areas, and O-Train Line 1 stations, providing direct service with limited stops along the way.
- Express trips will be clearly designated on signage and at stations, with route numbers in the 500s using a distinct orange route icon.
- In the west end, these routes include Routes 561, 562, 563, 565, 566.
- These routes provide additional express service between Tunney’s and Kanata transit stations, with minimal stops along the way.
- For Stittsville residents who use Terry Fox or Eagleson Station, Routes 561 and 562 will each travel between Terry Fox, Eagleson, and Tunney’s, stopping only at Moodie Station and skipping the other stops.
- Route 563 includes service between Innovation, Eagleson, and Tunney’s, stopping only at Moodie Station and skipping the other stops.
- Route 565 includes service between Innovation, Terry Fox, Eagleson, and the DND Campus on Carling.
- Route 566 travels between Tunney’s and DND Campus on Carling.
- Some trips on routes 561, 562, 563 will extend directly into Gatineau.
- Maps of the 500-series routes are available here.
Click on the maps for details about each route.
- Youth & Pre-teens ride for free this summer (until August 31). You will need a Presto card set with a Youth or Pre-teen discount. From September 1 and after, free fares only apply on evenings (after 5 pm), weekends, and holidays. Read more.
