Green Express &
Rural Express Routes

OC Transpo "Green" express routes run weekday rush hours, and require premium fare - either Express or Rural Express fare. A display in the front window of the bus will indicate the correct fare.

The following routes are green express routes and require express fare:

The express routes are green on your bus stop sign.

Rural Express Routes

The following routes are green rural express routes  and require rural express fare:
(some exceptions apply)        

Even if you're boarding an express bus, you may be exempt from having to pay the express fare.  Here are some of those exceptions:

Inbound Rule
In the morning, the Express and Rural Express fares are not required for passengers boarding at or between Dominion and Hurdman Stations. 

Additionally, the Rural Express fare (green routes #200s plus 45) drops to an Express fare once a route is inside the Urban Transit Area. Flags with just a green number mean you should pay an Express fare, while a green number with an “R” indicates when to pay a full Rural Express fare. 

Homebound Rule
In the afternoon, the Express fare is not required on Express routes for passengers boarding at the point at which the route leaves the Transitway or after it has left the Queensway. (See exception for route 45.)

The Rural Express fare should be paid until the route (green routes #200s plus 45) passes outside the Urban Transit Area boundary, regardless of whether or not there is an “R” on the flag. Once you’re outside the UTA, flags will show a red number and you should pay a Regular fare. (See exception for route 221.)

Exceptions: Routes 27, 45 & 221

Route 45 Exception
The Homebound rule starts at Greenboro Station.

Express/Rural Express Combo Route 45 Exception
In the afternoon, customers exiting within the UTA follow the Homebound Rule above. Customers exiting outside the UTA must pay the Rural Express fare. 

Customers exiting outside the UTA should exit at the front door and show proof of having paid the Rural Express fare, i.e. a Rural Express pass or a Rural Express transfer. Customers who only paid the Express fare, must top up to the Rural Express fare.

Express/Rural Express Combo Route 221 Exception
Customers who board an afternoon bus (route 221) in downtown Ottawa and get off the bus while still inside the UTA, can pay an Express fare instead of a Rural Express fare. more...

Service from Gatineau (Hull)
Route 27 Exception
In the afternoon, the express fare is not required by passengers boarding express route 27 in Gatineau (Hull) only and getting off in downtown Ottawa (LeBreton to Hurdman).

For example:

• Customers boarding route # 27 in Hull pay regular fare.

• Customers boarding route # 27 from the first bus stop in Ottawa will pay express fare.