Ottawa’s public transportation network is set to undergo significant changes by the end of August. The upcoming adjustments by OC Transpo are part of a comprehensive $29 million plan aimed at accommodating the anticipated return of more federal workers to their downtown offices.
The city council report indicates that OC Transpo is preparing for an increase of 65,000 weekly trips to and from Ottawa’s central area. Recognizing transit as a critical component of the city’s response, the report highlights the limited capacity of the road network to handle a substantial rise in private vehicle traffic.
Key elements of the transit plan were revealed and approved last month, including enhancements such as increased O-Train services during peak hours on weekdays, improvements to para transport systems, introduction of new express bus routes, and better connectivity from park-and-ride locations to major employment centers.
Rick Leary, the general manager of the city’s transit services, provided a comprehensive overview of the upcoming changes. Specific details regarding stops and schedules can be found on the OC Transpo website, with staff available at key locations starting August 31 to assist commuters.
Express 500-series routes are among the significant updates, offering faster connections between transit stations and key employment areas. Notable additions include Route 526 from Blair station to Chapel Hill station, routes 561 and 562 from Tunney’s Pasture station to Terry Fox and Eagleson stations, and route 565 connecting Innovation, Terry Fox, and Eagleson to the Department of National Defence’s Moodie Drive headquarters.
In addition to the express routes, routes 74 and 75 will be extended to Gatineau, enhancing transportation options for commuters. The changes also involve modifications to weekday service schedules on various routes to ensure accuracy and reliability, with adjustments tailored to specific routes to enhance overall service quality.
While some changes are part of the routine seasonal adjustments, significant developments such as the O-Train’s east extension are not expected to be operational by the end of August. The Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan encompass a range of initiatives, including traffic management, construction optimization, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure enhancements, and proposed parking expansions at city facilities and places of worship.
Overall, these changes aim to improve the efficiency and accessibility of Ottawa’s public transportation system in anticipation of increased demand with the return of federal workers to office spaces.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/oc-transpo-ottawa-bus-train-changes-9.7307392)