Ottawa implements major bus route cuts and changes

Ottawa's public transit system is implementing its largest bus service change in history on Sunday, resulting in route cuts and adjustments across the city. This initiative aims to align services with post-pandemic ridership and the expanded rail network. The "New Ways to Bus" plan will reduce service hours by 3.5%, impacting most routes, with some being eliminated or altered. The changes are intended to improve reliability, but some riders express concerns about longer commutes and reduced access, while others welcome the changes. The transit commission acknowledges the changes are service cuts, citing lagging ridership and an aging bus fleet. Free OC Transpo and Para Transpo service will be offered May 3-4 to encourage riders to try the new routes.