On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Ottawa will enter a new era of public transit with the launch of OC Transpo’s “New Ways to Bus” network.
This transformation is part of the city’s 5-Year Roadmap, aiming to provide a more reliable, efficient, and customer-focused bus service that meets the evolving needs of residents.
The new bus network is the result of the 2023 Bus Route Review and aligns with the Council-approved Transit Services budget. It marks a strategic shift from downtown-focused routes to a system that enhances connections to community hubs and key destinations across the city.
This change reflects OC Transpo’s goal to increase bus service reliability to 99.5%, supported by the Bus Maintenance Action Plan and ongoing employee recruitment.
The redesigned network includes over 100 routes, impacting almost every neighbourhood. The new structure emphasises frequency, local connectivity, and efficient transfers, with three main service types:
Frequent Routes:
- 27 routes running seven days a week, every 15 minutes or less on weekdays
- These core routes connect major destinations along main roads, ensuring reliable and timely service
Local Routes:
- 58 routes tailored to serve neighbourhood destinations and transit hubs
- These routes provide custom routing for local needs, connecting seamlessly with Frequent routes and the extended O-Train network
Connexion Routes:
- 17 routes offering fast, peak-period links to the O-Train
- Designed for commuters, these routes operate during weekday rush hours.
“New Ways to Bus” represents a shift from traditional downtown-centric routes to a network that prioritises community hubs and key destinations.
OC Transpo has begun updating on-street signage and maps at thousands of bus stops across the city. These updates include durable covers displaying current route information, which will be removed on launch day to reveal the new network details.
Additionally, the New Ways to Bus Travel Planner is now live, allowing passengers to explore updated schedules and routes before the April 27 launch.
The “New Ways to Bus” initiative represents a strategic investment in Ottawa’s public transit future. By improving frequency, enhancing local connectivity, and aligning with modern commuting patterns, OC Transpo plans to deliver a more sustainable and reliable transit system.
