OC Transpo offers free weekend of transit, advocates say 'it's a good start'

OC Transpo is offering free service on all buses, trains and Para Transpo this weekend, which transit advocates have welcomed but argue doesn't redress ongoing concerns about service reliability.

The free rides are to thank riders for their patience during a period of disruption, according to Renée Amilcar, the general manager of OC Transpo.

"We know that we have been working hard to improve the service, and it was tough on you as a customers," she said.

OC Transpo overhauled its bus routes on April 27 as part of its "New Ways to Bus" initiative, which it says aims to adjust service to post-pandemic ridership and realign routes with its expanded rail network. 

The transport provider hopes free rides will attract more users. 

"This is the new OC Transpo. Come and try it and you will love it," said Amilcar. 

But some transit users, feeling frustrated after a two year delay launching the Trillium line and problems with new bus routes, say two days of free rides is not enough. 

"It is a good start," said Sally Thomas, a board member with Ottawa Transit Riders. "There needs to be a lot more done."

The changes have made regular commuting more difficult for some transit users and less accessible for people with disabilities, argued Thomas, whose group advocates for accessible and affordable public transit in the city.

She said a free service from Monday to Friday would have had a greater impact, since more people rely on transit during the week.

'OC Transpo has to be responsive' says councillor 

Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard agrees that a week-long free service period would have put the new route changes to the test and potentially attracted new transit users. 

"I think it's unfortunate that we didn't see some weekdays included, or a week or longer. Maybe that's a goal for us in the future," Menard said.  

"I'm glad we've got at least a couple of days for people to try it out and get back on it if they felt hesitant, just given the troubles that have been experienced the last couple years." 

Menard said the "New Ways to Bus" initiative will need adjustments as concerns are raised by users. He also stressed the importance of maintaining strong bus service alongside the LRT, expanding routes based on community demand to encourage more transit use.

"I know that there's some school routes that have been cut that have been added back as a result of advocacy and pressure from residents," Menard said.

"OC Transpo has to be responsive and make sure that we're not just cutting the bus budget. Because the LRT budget is so large, we need good bus service. It's the backbone of the system to then connect to those brand new LRT lines."

Amilcar said a full week of free service was not possible due to budget constraints. She said the free weekend of service will cost approximately $285,000.