March 30th will bring about changes to the OC Transpo (OCT) regular bus service across Ottawa. These changes are put in place to reflect the lower number of bus riders during the COVID-19 pandemic. OCT is endeavouring to maintain the space for safe physical distancing for the protection of customers and staff.
Please note the following key points provided by OCT:
- Service continues to be provided to all essential services and neighbourhoods;
- Most routes are adjusted to provide Saturday service levels on weekdays;
- Routes that do not normally run on Saturdays, such as some Connexion routes, will run at modified service levels;
- Some routes are enhanced with extra trips and frequency adjustments; and,
- On many routes, the first trip in the morning will be later than usual.
OC Transpo will be monitoring the adjusted transit service. As tomorrow will be the first day of the revised schedules, OCT is aware there will be situations and comments that arise and that further service adjustments may be needed in the days to come. Customers can help with this by providing details of where and when they are travelling and whether riders make that trip regularly.
They will be prioritizing changes that keep sufficient space available on buses and changes that address travel needs to essential services. Bus drivers will be reporting instances where buses are full to the point that safe physical distancing is not being achieved or where buses are full to the point that customers are choosing to wait for the next trip. The capacity on trips can be increased says the General Manager of the Transportation Services Department, John Manconi “by adding additional buses or by assigning a larger bus to a trip. Spare buses will be strategically placed
across the city for deployment should situations arise where safe physical distancing may not be possible”.
Please remember to board buses through the rear doors. Only those with accessibility needs or require designated cooperated seating will be able to load the bus using the front door.
OC Transpo is asking for patience and cooperation as they continue to adjust their service needs. Further adjustments to service can be found on their on-line travel planner at octranspo.com.
John Manconi added, “I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the OC Transpo staff who are working around the clock continuing to provide transit services during this difficult situation”.