Wait times on Ottawa's O-Train Line 4, connecting South Keys Station to the Ottawa International Airport, will double this summer as OC Transpo works to stabilize its staffing levels.
Frequency Reduction Details
According to a memo from OC Transpo general manager Rick Leary, train frequency on Line 4 will be adjusted from every 12 minutes on weekends to every 24 minutes. The temporary change aims to provide predictable and consistent service while the transit authority continues hiring and training to stabilize staffing.
The schedule adjustment takes effect June 28 and is expected to last into the fall. However, weekend frequency could increase to every 12 minutes if an event is held at the Cohere Centre near Uplands Station.
Alternate Service and Other Changes
Bus Route 105, which runs 24 hours a day between St-Laurent Station and the airport, will continue as an alternative to the O-Train, Leary said.
These changes are part of OC Transpo's broader summer scheduling adjustments. The transit authority is also conducting preventive maintenance on its bus fleet to prepare for an anticipated ridership spike in September and for harsh winter weather.
“This means that there will be reduced frequency on some routes, which will result in increased travel times, particularly on weekends,” Leary said.
Additionally, OC Transpo is reviewing bus schedules, with changes to Route 11 to better align with observed travel times, improving on-time performance and predictability.
During the spring, run times were adjusted on seven routes, and another 22 routes will have added run time as part of the fall service change. These adjustments will add run time and improve service on routes used by 50 per cent of OC Transpo customers, Leary noted.
Summer Service Highlights
School service will not operate during the summer, except for special arrangements for French-language school boards, which resume classes on Aug. 25.
OC Transpo will offer free transit on Canada Day, with buses and O-Train Lines 1 and 2 operating on a special schedule. Line 1 will run from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. with enhanced evening frequency, while Line 2 service will operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
During Bluesfest, O-Train service will be extended with increased evening frequency to accommodate crowds. Fares are included with Bluesfest passes.
