Wait times will be doubling for the O-Train’s Line 4 between South Keys Station and the Ottawa International Airport this summer as OC Transpo continues to “stablilize” its staffing.
The frequency of trains on Line 4 will be adjusted from running every 12 minutes on weekends to running every 24 minutes, according to a memo to councillors from OC Transpo general manager Rick Leary.
The temporary schedule adjustment is designed to provide “predictable and consistent” service, Leary said, “and ensures we can provide a reliable service for customers while we continue to stabilize staffing levels through hiring and training.”
The scheduling change will take effect June 28 and is expected to extend into the fall. Weekend frequency could increase to every 12 minutes if an event is being held at the Cohere Centre near Uplands Station.
Bus Route 105, which runs 24 hours a day between St-Laurent Station and the airport will continue to operate as an alternate to the O-Train, Leary said.
The scheduling changes are part of OC Transpo’s summer scheduling adjustments.
OC Transpo is also taking on a preventive maintenance campaign to prepare the bus fleet for an anticipated spike in ridership in September and to prepare buses for the return of harsh winter weather.
“This means that there will be reduced frequency on some routes, which will result in increased travel times, particularly on weekends,” Leary said.
The transit authority is also reviewing bus schedules with changes to Route 11 “to better align with observed travel times,” which Leary said will result in improved on-time performance and more predictable travel times.
Run times were adjusted on seven routes during the spring and another 22 routes will have added run time as part of the fall service change. The adjustments will add more run time and improve service on routes that are used by 50 per cent of OC Transpo customers, Leary said.
School service will not be operating for the summer, with the exception of special arrangements for French-language school boards, which will resume classes on Aug. 25.
OC Transpo will be offering free transit on Canada Day, with buses and O-Train Lines 1 and 2 operating on a special schedule.
Line 1 will operate from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. with enhanced frequency in the evening. Line 2 service will operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
O-Train service will also be extended and will operate with increased frequency in the evenings during Bluesfest to accommodate crowds leaving the festivities. Fares are included with Bluesfest passes.
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