Express Routes
OC Transpo Green express routes run weekday rush hours
and require premium* fare.
Express routes provide direct, quick trips from suburban communities to downtown and back during rush hours.
Rural express routes provide a similar direct service to and from communities outside the urban transit area.
As a guide, when express fare is required, the route number is shown in green numerals on the bus stop sign, where space permits. When rural express fare is required, the route number is displayed in green, and an ‘R’ is also printed on the sign, where space permits.
Required fare is also always displayed in the front window of the approaching bus.
* Express premium fare is not charged at all locations on these routes. Please see the rules and exceptions below.
Premium Fare Rules and Exceptions:
Inbound Premium Fare Rule
In the morning rush hour, express and rural express premiums are not required for passengers boarding at or beyond Dominion and Hurdman Stations.
Additionally, the rural express fare drops to an express fare once a route is inside the Urban Transit Area.
Homebound Premium Fare Rule
In the afternoon, express premium is not required for passengers boarding after the point where the route leaves the Transitway.
On Rural Express routes, passengers boarding inside the Urban Transit Area boundary must pay rural express premium.
Once outside the Urban Transit Area, boarding passengers pay regular fare only.
Routes 221, 231 Rural Express Rule
Customers who board an afternoon bus in downtown Ottawa and get off the bus while still inside the UTA, can pay an Express fare instead of a Rural Express fare.
Customers travelling to destinations outside the Urban Transit area pay the rural express premium, and should exit the bus at the front door to show proof of having paid the rural express premium — i.e. a Rural Express pass or a Rural Express transfer. Those riders who only paid the express fare, must pay the additional rural express premium when disembarking.
Route 27 Express Rule
Passengers boarding in the afternoon in Gatineau (Hull) are not required to pay the Express premium. For example, if you get on at Place du Portage in the PM, you do not need to pay express fare - one stop only. If you board after this stop; destination Orléans, you will pay express fare.
Customers boarding at LeBreton or at any stop in Ottawa before Place D'Orléans must pay the Express premium fare.
Route 245 Rural Express Rule
In the afternoon, route 245 trips originate downtown as route 99.
Passengers who board route 99 and then continue their trip south of Riverview Station on route 245 must pay the rural express premium, and should exit the bus at the front door to show proof of having paid the rural express premium — i.e. a Rural Express pass or a Rural Express transfer. Those riders who only paid the regular fare upon boarding, must pay the additional rural express premium when disembarking.
Customers travelling on route 99 who disembark within the Urban Transit Area, including Riverview Station, are not required to pay the rural express premium.
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