OC Transpo rolled out its “New Ways to Bus” plan Sunday, a sweeping redesign aimed at connecting more riders to the LRT, shortening bus routes and boosting reliability across the city.
The new system brings new routes, new stops and quicker connections to the train, with promises of faster and more frequent service.
Nearly every route across Ottawa has been changed, redesigned or renumbered — all part of OC Transpo’s push to hit a service reliability target of 99.5 percent.
For some riders, the changes are welcome but confusing.
“Oh my gosh, it changed my life completely, but right now I’ll get used to it — I guess one day at a time,” said Julie Archambault, who was adjusting to her new commute Sunday.
The overhaul includes 27 frequent routes running every 15 minutes or better, seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Officials say shorter bus routes feeding into the train will help avoid congestion downtown, improving overall service times.
But not everyone is convinced the changes improve their commute.
“Sometimes it will say it’s coming in six or seven minutes and then all of a sudden, it’s been like 20 minutes and you’re wondering if it actually is going to come. Hopefully this will work better, hopefully,” said transit user, Cindy Crompton.
In Kanata North, an area without direct LRT access, Becky Khan says the changes have made her commute longer, not faster.
“I’ve gone from two transfers to three, and it will take longer,” Khan said.
With dozens of suburban routes to downtown cancelled, Khan now relies on more bus transfers to reach her job in Gatineau.
“We were hoping that these changes would incorporate the fact that the LRT is not fully available to us yet,” she said.
Although the overhaul will eliminate an estimated 74,000 hours of bus service per year, OC Transpo says it’s about working smarter, not cutting service.
“The train doesn’t have to deal with things like traffic,” said OC Transpo’s public information officer, Katrina Camposarcone- Stubbs. “We’re hoping it’s going to be a more reliable service because a lot of the buses won’t necessarily have to be dealing with that downtown congestion.”
OC Transpo says the rollout is off to a smooth start. For many riders, the real test of the new plan’s aims will come in the days and weeks ahead.
“I haven’t really experienced the full stages of it yet because it just happened,” said commuter Hailey Larocque. “Hopefully I’ll find out tomorrow what will happen. It’ll be interesting,” said commuter, Mary Huai.
OC Transpo says there will be staff out all week helping riders navigate the new routes and answer questions. OC Transpo is also taking feedback from riders, adding there is still opportunity to make small adjustments.
