OC Transpo rolls out back to school bus plans

OTTAWA — The Covid-19 pandemic has provided a new challenge for OC Transpo as students using public transportation are set to return to school.

The challenge comes because of staggered start times for a return to classes and a schedule to provide customized bus service to 37 schools in four boards.

OC Transpo rolled out its plans for fall service. The new schedule starts on Sunday, Aug. 30, and includes increased trips to post-secondary schools and the return of school service 600-series bus routes.

In a memo to Council, OC Transpo General Manager John Manconi said school service will start on Monday, Aug. 31, but buses may be temporarily reassigned due to the staggered return to school dates.

"Once the schools open to all grades, the service will be fully committed to those routes, and will be adjusted further if there are further changes to the school times," writes Manconi.

OC Transpo says it will constantly monitor start and end times and schools in cooperation with the four school boards and the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority.

All students will be required to wear masks on OC Transpo buses and the O-Train.

Here is a look at plans for the four school boards in Ottawa, as outlined in a memo to Council from Manconi:

Ottawa Carleton District School Board

Ottawa Catholic School Board

French Catholic and Public School Boards

OC Transpo says standby buses will be available to ensure there are no gaps in school service.

For more information on OC Transpo bus routes to schools, visit, octranspo.com and check out the Travel Planner.