Seniors paying more to board OC Transpo buses and the O-Train

An OC Transpo light rail train is seen heading towards downtown Ottawa on January 21, 2020. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Ottawa seniors are paying more to board OC Transpo buses and the O-Train this month.

The cost of a seniors’ monthly bus pass increased $9.25 a month, effective Feb. 1, to $58.25.

It’s part of a series of fare hikes at OC Transpo to help cover a $120 million funding shortfall in the 2025 transit budget.

Staff had originally proposed a 120 per cent increase in the cost of a senior bus pass from $49 to $108 a month, but public backlash forced councillors to reduce the increase in fares.

• 11 things that will cost you more in Ottawa in 2025

Seniors ages 65 and older can ride OC Transpo buses and the O-Train for free on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The 2025 City of Ottawa budget included a five per cent increase in transit fares, and the elimination of free rides for 11-and-12-year-olds.

On Jan. 1, 2025, the cost of adult monthly passes, youth monthly passes and single-ride fares increased. Here is a look at the fare increases:

• Adult monthly pass: $135 ($128.75 in 2024)
• Youth monthly pass (13 to 18 years-old): $104 ($99.25 in 2024)
• Adult single-ride fare (paid by card): $4 ($3.80 in 2024)
• Adult single-ride fare (paid by cash): $4.05 ($3.85 in 2024)
• Senior single-ride fare (paid by e-purse): $3.20 ($2.90 in 2024)
• 11–12-year-old single-ride fare (paid by e-purse): $2 (free in 2024). The fare is $4 if paying with cash.
• 1-day pass: $12 ($11.75 in 2024)
• 3-day pass: $30 ($28.50 in 2024)
• 5-day pass: $47.75 ($45.75 in 2024)
• 7-day pass: $56.75 ($54.25 in 2024)
• 2-for-1 day pass (weekends/holidays): $12 ($11.75 in 2024)