Proposed changes in Kitchissippi to OC Transpo routes

No surprise to anyone, in roughly mid-2018 the Confederation Line light rail will begin running between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair Station. This will be the beginning of a profound transformation in how residents of Ottawa move around the City, and there will be multiple changes to how public transit offered by OC Transpo will work.

If you click the route map attached to this post, you’ll see a bigger version. To some degree, it will look familiar (with some changes to route numbers and tweaks to some routes). But, there are some key changes that represent a new approach to transit. With the LRT operational, I’d characterize transit planner’s new priority as moving people from their neighbourhood to the nearest LRT station.

* Update: We now have the full presentation for the central area of Ottawa. Click on the .pdf below to view the file. *

One of the key shifts is that many journeys will now require passengers to transfer to the LRT or another bus. I’m comfortable with this. Even with a transfer, most journeys will be quicker by incorporating rail into them. The stations have been thoughtfully designed, and key transfer points will have fare-paid zones that obviate the need for proof-of-payment. At most times of the day, the train will arrive around every 5 minutes, and its trip won’t be subject to the delays we currently experience trying to shove too many buses through the core. Bus trips will also be more reliable for the same reason.

Some of the key changes in our ward that I believe need to be highlighted are:

• The current 14 will now arrive at Gladstone/Parkdale, turn north, and terminate at Tunney’s. Those who wish to go to Carlington will now take a new route 53 that also terminates at Tunney’s. That does have implications for residents particularly in the Civic Hospital neighbourhood. I recognize that there are some trips generated in Civic that are currently a single route straight downtown. And, there are some trips that will go to destinations along Gladstone. Going straight to Gladstone/Bank is a quicker way to get to the Glebe than catching a 1 or 7 further north. Staff are getting back to me with those numbers.
• The 11 (former 2) will now leave the corridor to serve Tunney’s instead of Westboro.
• The 16, after serving Champlain Park/Westboro Beach, will now terminate at Westboro. The 50 and 51 will now serve Westboro and McKellar Park.
• While the detour on Scott Street of Transitway buses will end, some Rapid route 75, 61 and 63 trips will continue to use Scott during weekday peak to avoid to serve Gatineau without requiring two successive quick transfers.

Both Councillor Brockington and I are engaged in discussions with OC about these changes, taking into account feedback we’ve already heard. If you have a concern, please let me know.