Service Delivery
Why was my bus late/early?
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 few years, we had to implement changes to alleviate the problems. Therefore, as a result, we introduced our “one-stop” policy: we request that customers stand near the middle of the passenger waiting area, watch for their chosen bus route number and proceed to where the bus has stopped. Buses are expected to make only one stop and open their doors for boarding from their position in line - either first, second, third or fourth. This will help avoid delays and improve service efficiency.
Customers with a mobility or visual impairment should wait at the bus stop flag and signal the bus. Bus operators are to make this additional stop when prompted and hailed.
See something? Say something!
Help keep our transit system safe and secure.
If something looks suspicious, let us know or CALL 310-2828.
Light Rail Future
Plans for the Future! Ottawa's Rapid Transit Network – a new light rail line running from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, making transit through downtown Ottawa faster, cleaner, and more efficient.