OC Transpo launching summer schedule, reinstating service to 95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels

OTTAWA — As the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and more people return to work, OC Transpo is rolling out its summer schedule and reinstating approximately 95 per cent of its pre-pandemic service levels.

Starting Sunday, OC Transpo will resume its full summer service, including reinstating all bus routes across the city.

In a statement, the City of Ottawa says OC Transpo will resume full summer service "to give more travel options as more customers begin using transit once again."

The city adds the summer service schedule will reinstate approximately 95 per cent of pre-pandemic service levels.  All bus routes will be reinstated, except for the special school services, and service levels will return to "normal summer service levels."

OC Transpo provided a list of service improvements and schedule adjustments starting June 28:

Rideau Street is closed between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street for construction, so routes 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 114, as well as overnight routes, will be detoured to Mackenzie King Bridge.

OC Transpo General Manager John Manconi says full summer service on the Confederation Line will begin on July 2.

In a memo to Council, Manconi said, "the return to full summer service is a key part of OC Transpo's plan to keep everyone safer by providing more space on buses and trains as more customers begin using transit."

On March 30, OC Transpo reduced conventional bus service Monday to Friday to a Saturday schedule due to a drop in ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on schedule changes, visit the OC Transpo website.