More ways to move this fall: transit enhancements, traffic improvements and travel planning tools

The Fall Mobility Update took place today, Friday, August 21, and provided an overview of expected travel conditions this fall, transportation improvements, and new tools and resources to help keep residents informed to better plan their trips.

This fall, more people are expected to be travelling across Ottawa as schools, workplaces and other activities return to regular schedules. Roads are expected to be busier, and some trips may take longer than they do today. OC Transpo is also expecting an increase in ridership and putting in place significant improvements.

Following Council’s approval of the Transportation and Mobility Strategy and Action Plan on July 15, City staff provided a Fall Mobility Update today. The presentation included an overview of expected travel conditions, transit improvements, actions being taken to reduce traffic impacts, and the tools available to help people plan their trips and stay informed throughout the fall. 

What to expect when getting around Ottawa this fall

To help people get around Ottawa as smoothly as possible this fall, the City is introducing a range of transportation improvements, including:

• New Express bus routes connecting Park & Ride locations, O-Train stations and major employment areas
• Additional transit service and reliability improvements on key routes across the city
• Increased O-Train Line 1 frequency and earlier morning service on Line 2
• Increased coordination and oversight of construction activities, including strategic measures to reduce travel impacts
• Extended parking time limits, adjusted peak-period parking restrictions and new loading zones in the downtown core to be used for passenger pick-up or drop-off
• Enhanced monitoring of traffic and transit conditions, supporting continued operational adjustments as travel patterns emerge

If you want to learn more about what is planned in the months ahead you can watch a recording of today’s Fall Mobility Update on the City’s YouTube channel.

New tools to help you plan ahead

Knowing what to expect before you travel can help you choose the best option for your trip. The City's Mobility Hub provides travel information, trip-planning tools and transportation updates. Residents can access:

• Mobility Dashboard; a weekly snapshot of traffic conditions, transit performance, Park & Ride availability and major construction impacts that may affect your travel plans.
• Frequently Asked Questions; answers to common questions about transit, parking, construction impacts, travel planning and transportation options.
• Quick links to trip-planning resources; Travel information, interactive maps and tools for transit, driving, cycling, and carpooling.
• Weekly Travel Trends Newsletter; weekly updates on travel conditions, transit service changes, construction impacts and other transportation information delivered directly to your inbox.

The City will continue to monitor travel conditions, share updates and respond as conditions evolve throughout the fall. Residents can visit the Mobility Hub for the latest travel information and trip-planning resources, and subscribe to the Weekly Travel Trends Newsletter to receive updates directly in their inbox.