TRANSIT COMMISSION NEWS

In the fall of 2010, Ottawa City Council approved the creation of the City of Ottawa Transit Commission, and appointed Diane Deans to the position of Chairperson. The Commission is comprised of eight members of City Council and four public volunteers who are tasked with the responsibility for making the decisions on all operational matters for public transit, including recommendations to City Council on budgets, fares and strategic plans, as well as the operations of the O-Train and Para Transpo.  The Commission is responsible for ensuring the development of a safe, efficient, accessible and client-focused transit system.

Here you will find the latest Transit Commission and OC Transpo news.

 

January 23, 2012

OC Transpo is the convenient, stress-free ticket to take you to the NHL All-Star Game and festivities 

Ottawa – OC Transpo is the convenient, stress-free ticket for hockey fans to take them to all 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend festivities from Thursday, January 26 through Sunday, January 29.

In addition to the all-star game, the weekend presents plenty of other attractions and festivities for hockey fans of all ages – including Scotiabank NHL Fan Fair and the Canadian Tire Junior Skills competition.

For a full up-to-date list of 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend festivities, visit the Ottawa Senators website, and use the Travel Planner at octranspo.com for details and a schedule on how to get there. All events are accessible by transit.

Regular and Connexion 400 service schedules are available at octranspo.com or by calling 613-741-4390. Riders may also get automated schedule information up to six days in advance by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus their four-digit bus stop number.

For more transit information, contact OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com

 

January 6, 2012

Scotiabank Place Park & Ride: 100 reasons to take the bus 

Ottawa – The new Park & Ride at Scotiabank Place will open this coming Monday, January 9. Located in the north lot, close to Highway 417 at the existing platform for the 400 route series, it provides commuters in the Kanata/Stittsville area with 100 additional parking spots.

This joint initiative with OC Transpo and the Ottawa Senators will improve commuting for west end transit users and ease some of the pressure on the Eagleson Road and Terry Fox Drive Park & Rides.

The Park & Ride is being served ‘on request’ by Express Routes 261 and 263, weekdays only, with direct rush hour service to downtown. ‘On request’ means that only when there are customers waiting at the Park & Ride, bus routes 261 or 263 will be signalled to deviate from its original route and pick them up. The ‘on request’ system is similar to the operations currently used on the Queensway at Moodie Drive and Montreal Road.

To get picked up, customers must press the ‘Request Stop’ button on the pole at the Scotiabank Park & Ride shelter. When the button is pushed, the ‘OC’ sign near the top of the pole will light up, confirming that the request has been received. The operator of the next bus approaching will then proceed to the Park & Ride lot. For the return trip home, transit riders simply need to ring the bell once the bus exits the 417.

 

December 14, 2011

Let OC Transpo be your designated driver on New Year’s Eve

Ottawa – OC Transpo is pleased to announce that free transit service will be available to all New Year’s Eve revellers after 11 p.m. This city-wide campaign is brought to you by OC Transpo, arrive alive DRIVE SOBER, Molson Coors Canada and York Entertainment.

“Keep the festive season safe and let OC Transpo get you home on New Year’s Eve,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “There are no excuses for drinking and driving, especially when there are so many safe options available. I’m pleased that in addition to designating a driver or taking a cab, residents and visitors can also enjoy our public transit system free of charge.”

Free service will be available on all OC Transpo routes and on Para Transpo between 11 p.m. on December 31 and 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The buses will operate on a regular Saturday schedule.

“OC Transpo is committed to providing safe and reliable public transit service – especially on a night like New Year’s Eve," said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “I would like to thank our partners for helping to make this service possible, but most importantly I want to thank everyone who makes the right choices to get home safe.”

“Molson Coors Canada is delighted to be partnering with OC Transpo in making this initiative happen,” said Geoff Ross, Regional Manager, Molson Coors Canada.
“We are proud to play our part in helping people get home safely this New Year’s Eve,” added Steve Monuk, Managing Partner, York Entertainment.

Anne Leonard, Executive Director of arrive alive DRIVE SOBER, emphasized the non-profit organization’s commitment to “making this project a success by getting the message out to our entire network.”

During the holidays, the City of Ottawa reminds residents to celebrate responsibly and always plan a safe ride home.

For more information and travel planning assistance, contact OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com.

 

December 12, 2011

OC Transpo begins addition of 66,000 more hours to improve service

Ottawa - OC Transpo is making service improvements by adding 66,000 service hours to address growing demands and ridership. In the 2012 Budget, an additional $5.5 million in funding was allocated to boost the frequency and reliability of public transit while enhancing overall customer service in the system.

“With ridership numbers at record levels, it’s important to make targeted investments that reflect the growth in our public transit system,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “These service improvements will help transit users on their daily commutes while ensuring that OC Transpo continues to be financially sustainable.”

“OC Transpo is improving service based on ridership data and input from customers, operators, community groups and businesses,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission.

Based on fall ridership data, additional funding will be allocated to improve capacity on the busiest routes, including: 2, 4, 5, 16, 30, 87, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 106, 111, 118, 120, 143, 148, 169, 261, 263, and 691. As well, routes 4, 38, 60, 62, 87, 93, and 114 will benefit from increased capacity with the addition of articulated buses at key times throughout the day. Additional resources will also be assigned to various routes, such as Route 129, to address day-to-day performance issues as they arise and ensure reliable service.
Increases will begin Monday, January 9, which is the first day of full service in the New Year.

Route adjustments will be made to five routes that will improve connections as follows:

- Route 5 - two new off-peak weekday trips will be introduced operating between Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa East and the Ottawa Hospital, which will provide improved connections to the General Campus, CHEO and the Rehabilitation Centre.
- Route 16 – two off-peak weekday trips will be added between Sandy Hill and Rideau Street, for improved shopping connections.
- Route 93 – four trips in the morning peak period will be extended to provide service on Innovation Drive in Kanata North from LeBreton Station downtown.
- Route 106 – Extended to serve all locations along the hospital ring road, Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 19:00. Replaces the current shuttle service. Early-morning, evening, and weekend trips serve the General Campus and CHEO.
- Route 169 – will be revised with five new trips to serve Solandt, Hines, and Innovation providing workers in Kanata North with improved connections. One morning trip and one afternoon trip will continue to serve Herzberg south of Carling.

The improvements to Routes 5, 16 and 93 will commence January 9, while the changes to Routes 106 and 169 will begin on December 28.

OC Transpo encourages customers to use the Travel Planner tool at octranspo.com to see how they can benefit from these changes. For more information, schedules and travel planning assistance is available by visiting octranspo.com or calling 613-741-4390. Customers may also get automated bus arrival times by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus their four-digit bus stop number up to six days in advance.

 

December 5, 2011

OC Transpo’s Food Drive a success 

Ottawa - OC Transpo today continued a sharing tradition by delivering to the Ottawa Food Bank food items destined for families in need. The Santa bus was filled with more than 87,000 items of food and non-perishable items and more than $16,000 in cash and food vouchers

The ceremonial delivery and campaign results marked the end to the 27th annual OC Transpo Food Drive in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.

“The generosity of our residents speaks volumes about the caring city we live in,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Thanks to the efforts of our OC Transpo employees, Food Drive partners and many volunteers, we are able to help put food on the table for residents and families who need it the most.”

On Saturday December 3, OC Transpo employees and other volunteers filled buses with food collected at participating local grocery stores. The OC Transpo Food Drive is a joint effort between OC Transpo, the City of Ottawa and Loblaws®, Loblaws Great Food, Real Canadian Superstore® and Your Independent Grocer™ stores.

“Lending a helping hand is just one more way the employees at OC Transpo show that they care for the community,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “Every day on their buses they serve the needs of our residents, but at this time of year they go above and beyond.”

“For more than a quarter of a century, OC Transpo employees and their families have made the Food Drive a success,” said Alain Mercier, General Manager of Transit Services. “Year after year, they demonstrate their commitment to our city and give generously of their time to help fill the shelves at the Ottawa Food Bank.”

The Ottawa Food Bank provides 45,000 people each month with emergency food assistance, 37% of whom are children. The Ottawa Food Bank supports more than 140 emergency food programs in the Ottawa Region and distributes 12 tonnes of food that leaves the Michael Street warehouse every working day. Furthermore, $1 donated to the Ottawa Food Bank generates $5 worth of food into the community.

“The OC Transpo Food Drive is one of the most inspiring food drives of the holiday season,” said Peter Tilley, Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank. “Supporters are always thrilled to watch bus after bus fill to the brim with food donations. The impact of this food drive is truly enormous, because it helps us fight hunger well into the winter months.”

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 136,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points loyalty program.

 

October 28, 2011

OC Transpo and STO honour Veterans with free service

Ottawa – War veterans who wear their medals and/or uniforms may ride OC Transpo and STO (Société de transport de l’Outaouais) free during National Veterans’ Week – November 5 to 11.

Companions accompanying veterans during National Veterans’ Week will also be able to ride for free.

OC Transpo and STO are also planning other activities and service changes to commemorate Remembrance Day on Friday, November 11.

• OC Transpo buses will pull over to the side of the road (where it is safe to do so) to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. The Last Post and Reveille will be played over the radios of OCTranspo buses. OC Transpo operators may also wear red on November 11 in support of our troops.
• OC Transpo will run a regular weekday schedule. OC Transpo Sales and Information Centres will be closed with the exception of the Rideau Centre, which will be open from 12:30 to 9 p.m. For OCTranspo service information or travel planning, customers may call 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com. Automated schedule information is available 24 hours a day by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560, plus the four-digit bus stop number.
• STO will also operate a special service on Friday, November 11. Riders are invited to consult the User's Guide, visit Plani-Bus on the STO Web site at www.sto.ca or call 819-770-3242 for more details. The INFOBUS system also provides the exact time that the next two buses are scheduled for at a particular stop. Simply dial 819-778 + the bus stop number.

 

October 23, 2011

City recognizes accident-free OC Transpo bus operators

Ottawa – Today the City of Ottawa recognized 75 bus operators who have reached 20, 25, 30 and 35+ year accident-free milestones with OC Transpo. The operators were honoured at the annual Safe Driving Awards ceremony, which recognizes long-term commitment and outstanding service in providing customers with safe and reliable bus service.

“Our OC Transpo bus operators cope with everything from traffic congestion to weather challenges on a daily basis,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The individuals the City is recognizing for accident-free driving can be very proud of the role they play in helping to make our streets safe and I thank them on behalf of all residents of Ottawa.”

“When people choose to let you do the driving, you are committed to get them to their destination in the safest manner possible,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “I would like to congratulate all of our operators for doing their jobs with such skill and care.”

“Protecting our passengers, as well as those not on the bus, is our number one priority” said Alain Mercier, General Manager of Transit Services. “Our accident-free drivers are shining examples of the benefits of training, and safer buses and reflects the attitude of professionalism our employees value.”

This year, one operator is celebrating 39 years, three operators reached 36 years, one operator achieved 35 years, 14 reached 30 years, 17 achieved 25 years, and 39 reached 20 years of accident-free driving. In 2010, OC Transpo had 1,359 operators with an accident-free year, and of those 291 operators have had over 20 years of accident-free driving.

“Safety is what I’m all about. A key part of my job involves constantly scanning the road and anticipating next steps,” said André Bastien, the bus operator recognized for 39 years of safe driving.

To qualify for the Safe Driving Award, operators must spend at least 1,000 accident-free hours on the road every year in all types of weather and traffic conditions. One thousand accident-free hours equates to Ottawa residents driving their car a minimum of 35,000 kilometres on city streets in a year.

 

October 19, 2011

City Council ratifies new transit collective agreement

Ottawa – Ottawa City Council today ratified an extension to the current collective agreement between the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 279 and the City of Ottawa – until March 31, 2012. The collective agreement will ensure that Ottawa transit users will not face a work stoppage in the winter months.

“I am pleased that Council has recognised the significant step forward that this agreement represents,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “My colleagues and our Transit Commission, in partnership with the Union membership, have put in place a very positive base for the negotiations on a long term contract. A new round of negotiations is expected to begin in December.”

The new agreement provides employees with a 2% wage increase covering the year of the extension from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. The agreement also provides ATU employees with the opportunity to participate in maintenance work on the new LRT and settles some longstanding pension related issues while referring other pension matters to arbitration.

“This is the first negotiated collective agreement between the City and ATU 279 since 2005,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “This signals a new era of cooperation as we work hard to meet the needs of transit users and taxpayers.”

 

October 18, 2011

OC Transpo celebrates O-Train 10th anniversary

Ottawa – The O-Train just turned ten and to celebrate this important milestone, customers were greeted this morning by Mayor Jim Watson, Transit Commission Chair, Councillor Diane Deans, and OC Transpo staff at the Greenboro station.

“The O-Train is an essential component of the city’s transportation network in terms of popularity and reliability,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “That is why Council has decided to make the investment necessary to expand the service years ahead of schedule.”

In September 2011, OC Transpo announced that it has reached an agreement with train supplier Alstom to purchase six new trains that will begin O-Train service in early 2014. The expanded O-Train service will offer eight-minute intervals between trains, an improvement to the current 15 minute intervals. It will attract new riders and provide customers travelling from Bayview to South Keys with more frequent and reliable rail service.

“I would like to thank the riders who have enthusiastically endorsed the O-Train since its introduction,” said Chair Deans. “I would also like to thank all OC Transpo employees who have worked tirelessly for the past 10 years on the O-Train service as well as our industry partners who maintain the trains and rails.”

The O-Train was introduced as a pilot project in October 2001 and was Ottawa’s first modern experience with rail transit. The initial ridership target was between 5,100 and 6,400 customer-trips per day. These targets have more than doubled in the years since it was introduced, with ridership has now reaching more than 12,000 customer-trips per day due to outstanding reliability and the convenience of good connections for students and commuters whether on foot, bicycle or connecting by bus.

OC Transpo celebrated the one millionth O-Train rider in 2002, the five millionth rider in 2005 and as September 30th, 2011, more than 18 million passengers have boarded the O-Train.

In 2010, the three trains of the O-Train surpassed the million kilometre mark and OC Transpo is continuously upgrading the O-Train’s infrastructure so it can continue to provide the quality service passengers deserve and expect.

“The popularity of the service is attributed to the very high reliability of the rail system, quiet and comfortable trains for customers and an outstanding safety record,” said OC Transpo General Manager Alain Mercier.

The 8-km O-Train line runs from Greenboro station, in the city’s south-end, to Bayview station near Lebreton Flats where it connects riders with the Transitway. It takes roughly 12 minutes to get from one end of the route to the other.

 

October 13, 2011

OC Transpo improves mobility for rural residents

Ottawa - OC Transpo is recommending targeted improvements for the delivery of Para Transpo service, additional trips to enhance the overall service, as well as reducing fares for Para Transpo registrants living in rural areas.

By streamlining its approach to fare zones and recommending that the Para Transpo rural fare zones be combined into one single rural fare, the new single rural fare will establish parity at a cost to be decided by Council in the 2012 Budget.

“I am pleased to see that the City is looking at making changes that will enhance service to rural residents who rely on Para Transpo, at a cost they can afford and that the City can afford as a whole,” said Transit Commission Chair Diane Deans.

To further enhance service delivery in the rural areas, OC Transpo also recommends working with established rural service delivery agencies. These partnerships would help increase mobility for seniors and people with disabilities in rural areas, and improve the effectiveness of the City’s funding for mobility in rural areas.

OC Transpo is also recommending piloting the introduction of four new once-a-week bus trips from rural villages to shopping destinations in the urban part of the city. This would be in addition to the existing once-a-week Friday round trip from North Gower, Kars and Manotick to Barrhaven and Carlingwood.

“I am so pleased to see that OC Transpo is proposing some meaningful changes to the delivery of Para Transpo service in our rural areas that will help our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that we improve fare parity overall,” said Councillor Eli El-Chantiry from West Carleton-March.

This new service would be funded from within the existing rural transit tax and will not impact the urban transit service. It is offered to seniors and Para Transpo registrants, as well as to the general public living in Ottawa rural areas.

“This is a win-win for everybody. We’ll be able to provide more travel options for our rural residents and do so within our existing budget,” said Transit Commissioner Stephen Blais from Cumberland ward.

The new trips would include the following destinations:

• Monday – From Richmond to Stittsville, Bayshore and Carlingwood;
• Tuesday – From Navan, Sarsfield, Cumberland to Place d’Orléans and St. Laurent;
• Wednesday – From Dunrobin, Carp to Bayshore and Carlingwood;
• Thursday – From Metcalfe, Greely to South Keys and Billings Bridge

“Since they are available to all rural residents, I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the new trips when they go shopping,” said Councillor Scott Moffatt from Rideau-Goulbourn. “These additional trips have to achieve an adequate level of ridership to be maintained, so I hope that everyone will take full advantage of this opportunity by getting out of their houses and onto the bus.”

“If these recommendations are approved, they will address some of the long standing requests made by rural and seniors groups”, said Councillor Doug Thompson from Osgoode.

OC Transpo recognizes the importance of Para Transpo service for customers in rural areas. In 2010, 12,810 trips were made by Para Transpo customers to, from or within the rural area. As of July 2011, there were 344 Para Transpo registrants with home addresses in the rural part of the city.

 

September 15, 2011

Six new trains from Alstom to increase O-Train capacity

Ottawa - OC Transpo today announced that it has reached an agreement with train supplier Alstom to purchase six new trains that will begin O-Train service in early 2014.

“We now have more than 12,000 rider trips per day on the O-Train, which is almost double the original target” said Mayor Jim Watson. “This investment will allow us to serve more people more efficiently a decade sooner than originally planned.”

Already operating throughout Europe, the Alstom CORADIA Lint 41 model has a proven track record of reliability and quality, having covered millions of kilometres of commercial service. These new state-of-the-art trains will increase the long-term sustainability of our transit system, and provide customers with improved service and comfort. The new trains are also operationally compatible with the existing Bombardier Talent trains.

“The O-Train has been a tremendous success story in Ottawa and has proven that increasing capacity along this corridor is the next logical step,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “Moving forward, this project will be a valuable part of our long-term transit vision.”

The expanded O-Train service will offer eight-minute intervals between trains, an improvement to the current 15 minute intervals. It will attract new riders and provide customers travelling from Bayview to South Keys with more frequent and reliable rail service.

The total value of the contract is $34M CAD, which includes delivery, training, special tools, spare parts inventory and winter climate modifications. The new trains will be compatible with existing infrastructure, adhere to Transport Canada safety standards and meet the requirements of O-Train service standards. The award is made after a global competition based on compatible train designs widely operated in Europe.

The O-Train was introduced as a pilot project in October 2001 with initial ridership targeted at between 5,100 and 6,400 customer-trips per day.

The O-Train now operates with three Bombardier diesel Talent Trains, all of which have surpassed 1 million kilometres of service.

The new Alstom trains will be operational in advance of Hurdman station closure for the Light Rail construction.

 

September 12, 2011

Top 10 Transit Tips

Ottawa - As residents return to their school and work routines, below are some tips in response to the most frequently asked questions from OC Transpo riders. Follow these and you will be well on your way to getting to your destination:

Tip 1: Before boarding any bus, plan your trip by using the Travel Planner tool at octranspo.com or call 613-741-4390.

Tip 2: When in doubt, call the OC Transpo Customer Service line at 613-741-4390. This is especially useful if you can’t find your address in our Travel Planner or don’t have access to a computer.

Tip 3: Plan your trip from your handheld device by using octranspo.mobi. Mobi is OC Transpo’s mobile website for transit users, and can be viewed with iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones. It features bilingual information regarding bus stops, route schedules and trip planning with the Travel Planner.

Tip 4: Get the latest, up-to-the-minute transit information on when your bus will actually arrive at your stop by using the 560560 Next Bus Arrivals service. This powerful tool takes the guesswork out of your transit trip by providing real-time schedules for your bus at your stop. You can actually receive up to the next three scheduled arrival times for your route. To use it:

• Simply send an SMS text message to 560560 plus your stop number.
• Or, on the Transitway, send the first few letters of the station name to receive the same information.

Tip 5: Sign up to the 560560 service to receive alerts on unplanned events or delays to the transit service. Customers can choose to receive alerts on their phone using SMS messaging, or at an e-mail address. You can specify the type of information you want, including specific bus routes, cancelled trips, major detours, elevator status at Transitway stations and any changes to the O-Train service.

Tip 6: Get to the Park & Ride lots early as they fill up quickly! Park & Ride facilities across the city provide more than 5,000 free parking spaces for commuters so take advantage of one of them today.

Tip 7: Help speed up the boarding process by having your fare ready when you board. Your fellow passengers will thank you for it!

Tip 8: If you are a University of Ottawa or Carleton University student, remember to use your U-Pass. It gives you free access to the transit system until April 30, 2012. Important Reminder: Today is the last day that University of Ottawa students can use their visitors’ passes or last year’s student card to access OC Transpo. After today, students must present a valid U-Pass card.

Tip 9: If you are a senior, you can ride for free all day on Wednesday and from noon onward on both Monday and Friday. Plan your trip at octranspo.com or call us at 613-741-4390. If you need assistance, we can help.

Tip 10: If you're travelling home by bus after 9 p.m., you can ask the operator to let you off before or after your bus stop, closer to your destination.

 

August 31, 2011

OC Transpo customers access real-time information with new 560560 Next Bus Arrivals service

Ottawa - Transit Commission Chair Diane Deans today officially launched OC Transpo’s Next Bus Arrivals service, a new navigation tool that gives customers real-time SMS schedules for their bus at their stop. The 560560 tool will also provide customers with the option to receive alert messages for cancelled or detoured trips and for elevator status.

“Putting this new technology into operation is a major step forward in customer service for OC Transpo,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Our loyal riders will now have real-time access to the latest transit information at bus stops across the City.”

To get up-to-the-minute information, riders can now simply send an SMS text message to 560560 plus their stop number. Additionally, on the Transitway, users can send the first few letters of the station name to receive the same information. Customers will receive up to the next three scheduled arrival times for their route. If a bus stop or station has more than one bus route, the user will be asked to specify which route they want.

The new service is fully bilingual. When texting to 560560 for the first time, the system will ask the user to choose their preferred language.

“The service lets people register for alert messages which will greatly help OC Transpo customers stay informed anywhere, anytime if something unplanned happens on the transit system,” said Chair Diane Deans. “We are giving customers an additional tool to help with the upcoming fall service changes taking place September 4.”

Additionally, customers can choose to receive alert SMS text messages or e-mails on their phone using SMS messaging, or at an e-mail address. They will be able to specify the type of information they want, including specific bus routes, cancelled trips, major detours, elevator status at Transitway stations and O-Train service. To receive alerts, a one-time subscription is available at octranspo.com.

SMS bus information arrival is available 24/7 and is continuously updated based on real-time bus location for up-to-the-minute schedule status.

Users should note that OC Transpo does not charge to use the SMS arrival service; however, customers should check with their phone service provider to see what is included in their plan when it comes to text service fees. SMS format is limited to 136 characters.
OC Transpo is committed to delivering information meeting today’s transit user needs. We also support the Open Data initiative and as part of it are working at improving our real-time bus position data, which should be completed in the near future.
Further information on Next Bus Arrival can be found at octranspo.com or by calling customer service at 613-741-4390.

We encourage customers to check their route before September 4 at www.checkyourroute.ca. For travel planning assistance, routing information and new timetables, customers should call OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com. Schedule information is also available 24 hours a day, up to six days in advance, by calling 613-560-1000 plus the four-digit bus stop number.

Since July, customers on-the-go can also use their smartphone, blackberry or tablet to access OCTranspo’s new and improved mobile travel planner at octranspo.mobi.

 

August 26, 2011

OC Transpo implements major route changes September 4

Ottawa – Effective Sunday, September 4, OC Transpo’s new fall service plan will introduce major route changes designed to provide a more streamlined, reliable and efficient transit network that will be financially sustainable into the future. Customers are encouraged to visit www.checkyourroute.ca before September 4 to find out how the changes may affect their transit travel.

Bus route information, travel planning assistance, maps and schedules are all available at www.checkyourroute.ca or by calling 613-741-4390. Customers on-the-go can use their smartphone, blackberry or tablet to access OCTranspo’s new and improved mobile travel planner at octranspo.mobi.

Fall service changes effective September 4 include:

• Increased frequency on many routes to reflect the higher demand for service in the fall.
  
• Changed off-peak service on some routes due to low ridership or the availability of alternative service.
  
• Nine new bus routes, which will replace existing routes or sections of routes, as follows: 30, 41, 93, 132, 134, 159, 180, 185 and 193.
  
• 36 routes changed due to duplication of service or inefficiencies: 3, 15, 23, 32, 33, 39, 57, 63, 64, 82, 88, 103, 115, 117, 125, 133, 141, 142, 145, 153, 154, 155, 158, 160, 165, 166, 167, 179, 184, 187, 188, 190, 191, 197, 306 and 316. These routes will be replaced by other routes, or sections of routes, or have alternative service available nearby.
  
• Revamped school service with many 600-numbered routes replaced by special trips on regular routes.
  
• New destination names for many routes, which are more neighbourhood-specific and user-friendly.

Park & Ride Growth

Park & Ride facilities across the city provide more than 5,000 free parking spaces for commuters, and they keep growing. Fallowfield Park & Ride lot will be expanded by an additional 584 spots later this fall, while Riverview Park & Ride recently grew by 245 spaces. Despite the increase, some lots fill up quickly, while others have available space. Check octranspo.com for alternative lots in your community. Customers are also reminded to park in designated parking spaces only, to allow room for safe passage of emergency vehicles and to avoid receiving a fine.

Students

College and high school students are reminded to get their new transit photo ID card ($6.25) before last year’s card expires on September30. Special photo sessions will be available at many schools, so check octranspo.com for locations and times. Photo ID cards are available at OC Transpo Sales Centres, as well as these two temporary locations: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and the Kanata Client Service Centre, 580 Terry Fox Drive, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until September 9 and again from September 19 to 30.

Labour Day

On Monday, September 5, OC Transpo will operate a Sunday schedule, so only those routes that normally run on Sundays will be in service. Holiday schedules are available at octranspo.com. OC Transpo Sales and Information Centres and the Transit Information Call Centre will be open.

Schedule information is available 24 hours a day, up to six days in advance, by calling 613-560-1000 plus the four-digit bus stop number. For more details, travel planning assistance, routing information and new timetables, customers should call OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 or visit octranspo.com.

August 11, 2011

OC Transpo ridership hits record levels

Ottawa – OC Transpo ridership reached an unprecedented level during the April to June period this year with 24.93 million passenger trips taken. The record number of riders in the second quarter of 2011 represents a 9.9% increase over the same period in 2010 and more than doubles the national average increase during the same timeframe.

“This big increase in the number of people using OC Transpo is great news,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “It is clear that the residents of Ottawa know that public transit is a real alternative for getting around in our growing city.”

Growth in ridership is attributable to the upgrading of the bus fleet to modern more comfortable vehicles, the continuation and growth of the U-Pass program and the increase in gas prices, which makes public transit an even more attractive alternative. OC Transpo has also improved the rider experience with the implementation of the on-board announcements program.

“This increased ridership really shows that residents in Ottawa are taking advantage of our great public transportation system, which will ultimately help us achieve the City’s long term sustainability goals” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the Transit Commission. “As I indicated in my letter to OC Transpo yesterday evening, I am very grateful to the employees who work tirelessly to continuously improve our transit system, from making the service faster and more reliable, to enhancing the customer experience in general. All of those efforts are making a difference”.

As indicated by the Canadian Urban Transit Association last month, public transit ridership across Canada showed very strong growth in 2010, with an increase of 4.1% nationally over the previous year.

The Q2 Transit Services Performance Report is available at ottawa.ca.

August 10, 2011

OC Transpo launches “Check Your Route” campaign

Ottawa – Transit Commission Chair Diane Deans today officially launched OC Transpo’s “Check Your Route” campaign to encourage transit users to check their OC Transpo route for changes before they become effective on Sunday, September 4, 2011.

“We are putting a lot of effort into ensuring our customers are ready to ride the new system,” said Chair Diane Deans. “We launched the new Travel Planner on July 22nd and this ‘Check Your Route’ campaign is being rolled out now so that transit riders have time to prepare for any changes to their personal travel.”

A web site, www.checkyourroute.ca, provides customers with all the information they need to review route changes, and plan their September bus trips. Route maps, schedules, and the automated Travel Planner, are easily accessed from the site and provide riders with the quickest, most convenient way to plan use of the new service. OC Transpo’s new and improved web-based “Mobi” mobile information tool also lets riders use the online Travel Planner through their smartphone or tablet without downloading an application.

“These changes will help us to keep costs down and to create a more reliable, efficient and sustainable transit system for today and for the future,” said Alain Mercier, General Manager, Transit Services. “We conducted extensive public consultations and this new route system reflects what we heard from transit users while still achieving our budget target.”

As part of this plan, some bus routes will be combined, forming one high-frequency route from two or more lower-frequency routes; many bus route numbers will change, and hours of operation on some streets will be reduced. Transit riders are encouraged to “Check Your Route” before September 4 to review their own individual routes, even though 95% of users will see no change at all, or only a change to the route number they currently use.

Residents will start to see signs of changes with green-logo markers on bus stops to signify where some change will occur. OC Transpo staff will also be ready to help customers who may need additional information. This fall’s “Check Your Route” campaign has been developed to support transit riders in adapting to their new transit system taking effect September 4.

The Route Network Optimization Plan is designed to save $19.5 million annually by 2012, starting with $6.5 million in 2011. Combined with additional cost-saving measures, OC Transpo anticipates achieving total savings of $22 million annually and $7.3 million for 2011.

Further information can be found on updated maps and schedules at bus stops and stations and through regular channels such as octranspo.com, sales centres, City Hall, Client Service Centres, libraries and OC Transpo customer service at 613-741-4390.