Transit accessibility

We are committed to providing transit services that are accessible to everyone.

Bus and O-Train

OC Transpo buses and the O-Train are fully accessible. Their low floors allow for easy boarding. We have allocated spaces in each vehicle for customers using assistive or mobility devices.

Many accessibility services and features make taking the bus and O-Train (also known as “conventional transit”) easier.

Conventional transit follows regular schedules and routes. To use the bus and O-Train, you need to get to and from the stop and board the vehicle. You will need to be able to do this on your own or with the help of a support person. Conventional transit lets you travel at your convenience.

Travel training

The Travel Training program teaches seniors and persons with disabilities how to use transit safely and independently.

Para Transpo

Para Transpo is a shared-ride, book-in-advance, door-to-door transit service. We provide this service to eligible registered customers who cannot take conventional transit—some or all of the time—because of a disability.

Even if have registered with Para Transpo, you can still use buses and the O-Train without affecting your eligibility. Regular fares apply to conventional transit.

For more information on registering for Para Transpo, contact:

Lifemark Health Services
paratranspo.lifemark@lifemark.ca
Phone and TTY 613-218-8417

PLEASE NOTE that Lifemark is only able to provide information on applications. For other questions, please contact Para Transpo.

Canada Video Relay Service

We have improved service for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired by providing another way to connect with OC Transpo.

Using Canada Video Relay Service (VRS), customers can connect with a sign language interpreter by video. The sign language interpreter facilitates the call with us, relaying the conversation in real time.

VRS allows callers to express themselves in their first language, American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) when communicating with OC Transpo staff. There is no cost associated with this service.

This service offers customers more independence and freedom when accessing transit services. While this system provides an alternative to the TTY line, we will continue to offer both options to customers.

For more information on how to access this new service, call 613-560-5000 (TTY: 613-741-5280).

Trip planning

It is always best to plan your trip before you leave. Use the Travel Planner to plan your bus or O-Train travel.

Elevators and escalators are important features providing you access to some of our stations and platforms, so please check the elevator status, before leaving home.

Website accessibility

Our website and web content conforms to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Levels A and AA. By following these guidelines, we make it easier for everyone to access our information.

Accessible formats

We are committed to providing inclusive and barrier-free information for all customers. The following communication products are available:

Accessible website (described above)
Information and documents on OC Transpo services, policies, and programs available upon request in an accessible format (Braille, HTML, or plain text) or with communication support. Contact us to request information in an alternative format or fill in the City's online form to make a request.
In addition to the accessible formats, available for print and electronic formats, OC Transpo's TTY (teletypewriter line) enables persons with hearing disabilities to communicate with our staff in a two-way text conversation over the telephone line. TTY service is available by calling 613-741-5280.

For more information on information in accessible formats or with communication supports, refer to the City of Ottawa's Accessible Formats and Communication Supports Procedure.

Feedback on accessible services

The OC Transpo Customer Service Centre in the Rideau Centre is open.

We welcome your feedback about how OC Transpo’s programs and services are delivered to persons with disabilities. Your comments may help us identify areas that need improvement.

There are a number of ways to provide feedback or to receive more information on accessible services:

Complete the online Customer Relations Feedback Form — Just select the appropriate ‘Service Category’ from the drop-down list on the form, and provide as many details as possible, so that we can investigate your concerns fully.
Call, email, or write to us
Visit us in person at any OC Transpo Customer Service Centre

2024–2026 OC Transpo Accessibility Plan

The 2024–2026 OC Transpo Accessibility Plan outlines OC Transpo’s commitment to meeting:

Its legislated obligations under the Accessible Canada Act (2019, ACA)
Its commitment to implementing additional initiatives to reduce or eliminate barriers over time

This is the first OC Transpo Accessibility Plan under the ACA. Progress reports will be provided to Council on an annual basis.

Need more info?

If you need more information on accessible transit, contact our Accessibility Specialists.