Service Delivery
Service Delivery FAQ
- Why was my bus late/early?
- Why is my bus overcrowded?
- I was waiting for my bus on Albert/Slater. Why did the bus not stop for me?
Why was my bus late/early?
Schedule times are based on typical driving conditions and may vary. Please arrive at your stop a few minutes early to allow for any fluctuations in schedule. Schedules are most accurate for bus stops close to the beginning of a route, or close to major “time-points” (ie: Rideau Centre, Tunney’s Pasture, Baseline Station, etc.).
While we strive to provide a reliable service, several unavoidable and uncontrollable factors can affect our service from time to time. Delays and/or irregularities of service can occur due to traffic conditions, weather conditions, accidents, mechanical difficulties, construction, detours, and ridership variances.
We are very interested in knowing about consistent patterns where buses are late or early. If this is the case based on the information you provide we will carefully examine your concerns and forward it to the appropriate division. Should you wish to bring a specific incident for our investigation, please complete the following Customer Service Form.
Why is my bus overcrowded?
During peak hours (approximately 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.), our services may be over passenger capacity and may result in passengers having to stand. Regrettably we cannot guarantee each passenger a seat, as seating is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. At times overcrowding is caused by the cancellation of a trip scheduled slightly earlier than your trip, on the same bus route.
OC Transpo has experienced unprecedented ridership increases in recent years - this means more passengers having to stand on many of our routes. We are particularly interested in knowing about repeat problems, where overcrowding occurs at the same time and location each day. Please complete the following Customer Service Form for our investigation.
I was waiting for my bus on Albert/Slater. Why did the bus not stop for me?
As congestion in downtown Ottawa steadily increased over the past decade, OC Transpo introduced changes to alleviate delays to service. A “one-stop” policy was implemented. Customers are asked to stand near the middle of the passenger waiting area, watch for their chosen bus route number and proceed to where the bus stops. Several buses will pull in together and make one stop, open their doors for boarding from their position in line, and then pull out together. This will help speed up boarding and improve service efficiency and reliability.
Customers who may have difficulty boarding along the platform, may choose to wait at the bus stop flag and signal the bus to make a stop. In some locations, such as the eastbound platform of Mackenzie King Station, this accessible boarding location is marked with an International Symbol of Access (ISA), the stylized picture of a person using a wheelchair. Bus operators have been reminded to watch for customers at these locations.
TransPLAN
OC Transpo’s route planning and consultation program, where riders have a chance to provide ideas and input.
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