Feb 6: Adjustment to parallel bus service supporting O-Train Lines 2 and 4

The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on O-Train Line 2 and 4 operations and the parallel bus service supporting it.  

Throughout the phased opening of Lines 2 and 4, OC Transpo has been continuously monitoring all system and network elements, including the parallel bus service. The B2 bus service runs between Bayview and South Keys stations to provide support service as customers transition to the new rail service at their own speed and is also there to provide supplemental service in the event of a service disruption in this area. 

Since the opening of Lines 2 and 4, over two-thirds of the customers previously using the replacement bus service have made the switch to using trains on Line 2. Based on the significant reduction in demand for the parallel bus service and on the continued reliability of the new rail lines over the last few weeks, the frequency of the B2 parallel bus service will be adjusted beginning on Monday, February 10, from operating approximately four trips every hour to approximately two trips every hour Monday to Saturday. Lines 2 and 4 will continue to operate every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday. This frequency adjustment does not affect the bus routes providing service to stations from South Keys to Limebank or the Airport. 

For transit customers, this will mean:  

• B2 buses will operate less frequently from Monday to Saturday and will now operate approximately twice an hour throughout the day.  
• B2 bus service on Sundays will continue to operate every 15 minutes, with no change to frequency at this time.  
• To continue supporting customers in planning their trips, updated schedules are available on the Travel Planner and Transit App.  

Transit customers can continue to use the more frequent service on Lines 2 and 4, or the supporting bus service. In the event of a service disruption, additional buses will be deployed to supplement service and provide additional capacity for customers. 

OC Transpo will continue to monitor B2 parallel bus service through this transition period and continue to keep customers informed of changes through social media and octranspo.com. 

Should you have any questions about the information provided in this memo, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 52111.

Renée Amilcar,
General Manager, Transit Services

cc:                Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Nathalie Gougeon, Auditor General