Para Transpo
Para Transpo is a shared-ride, book-in-advance, public transit service. The service is open to eligible customers who are unable to take conventional transit (buses and O-Train) some or all of the time due to a disability. It is funded by the City of Ottawa and administered by OC Transpo.
Para Transpo provides minibus and contracted taxi services in Ottawa’s urban communities. We also provide service between urban and rural areas and to Hull (in Gatineau).
Apply with Lifemark
To get started using Para Transpo services, you must submit an application to determine your functional ability to use conventional transit. Lifemark Health Group processes all Para Transpo applications based on specific eligibility criteria.
After a decision on your eligibility has been reached, you will be contacted within 14 calendar days.
Mail, fax, or deliver in person your completed application. (Don't forget to sign the form.)
| Monday to Thursday | 9 am to 7 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 9 am to 5 pm |
Pay for your trips
Sign up for ParaPay
ParaPay is a card-free system that lets you pre-pay your Para Transpo fares. After being eligible to use Para Transpo services, you will be given a Para Transpo ID. Use this ID to open your ParaPay account online or call 613-560-5000.
Once your account is open, you can load money or a monthly pass, then use the funds or pass to pay for your trips. Your fare is automatically paid when you book. If you cancel, your account will be reimbursed.
Get a Presto card
Buy a Presto card and load it with a monthly pass, or load funds to your e-Purse to pay per trip! To manage funds on the go, download the official Presto app for Android or Apple, visit prestocard.ca or call 1-8-PRESTO-123 (1-877-378-6123).
If you are eligible for a reduced fare, be sure to set the discount on your Presto card before you use it.
Pay with a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet
You can pay with a credit card, debit card or mobile wallet if you are paying an Adult fare only. For urban trips, daily charges will be capped at the price of a DayPass. Register your credit card at prestocard.ca to view your transaction history.
Manage your trips with My Para Transpo
My Para Transpo is a new self-serve system that lets Para Transpo customers quickly book, cancel, and track their trips. If you have a ParaPay account, you already have access! Easily get started by logging in with your ParaPay Customer ID or your email and password.
No ParaPay account? Visit the Getting started section at the link below for information on how to get started and enrol.
If you prefer to book, cancel, or track your trip by phone, please call 613-560-5000 (TTY 613-244-4833).
Para Transpo trips must be reserved in advance. Please contact us one day before you plan to travel, or up to 7 days in advance for holidays. Please note that Para Transpo’s Cancellation Policy will apply.
Customer information
You're invited to Para Transpo Talk
Have questions, comments or concerns about Para Transpo service? Join us to speak directly with staff at an upcoming Para Transpo Talk event.
Para Transo Talk is a series of customer engagement events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo.
We’ll share information about upcoming Para Transpo Talk events on our social media channels, in the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Spotlight newsletter and on octranspo.com.
See you there!
Send a text message to 57272 (5PARA)
Para Transpo customers can now text 57272 (or 5PARA) to connect with OC Transpo Customer Service representatives from 6 am to 12:30 am every day. With 57272, our Customer Service Representatives are just a text away!
Text us to:
- Find out the estimated arrival time of your Para Transpo vehicle
- Make a direct cancellation for an upcoming trip
- Ask general questions about Para Transpo service
Bookings, fit-in requests or other changes to trips cannot be done through text at this time. Instead, use My Para Transpo or call us at 613-560-5000.
Taxi coupon program
The Taxi Coupon Program allows Para Transpo customers to take discounted taxi service as an alternative to Para Transpo.
Taxi coupons can only be used to pay fare. They cannot be used to tip the driver. Friends or family, up to the capacity of the vehicle, may travel with you at no extra charge.
For customers who are blind or visually impaired, the coupons are identified with hole punches for the different values.
You can order by phone or mail, but please allow two weeks for delivery. There is an option for you to sign up for automatic ordering:
- Receive a number of coupon books every month
- Payments are processed on the 1st of the month
- Coupons will be mailed to you 2 to 5 business days later
Service animals & travel with pets
Service animals are welcome on all Para Transpo vehicles, including taxis. You can indicate your service animal when you make your Para Transpo application or update your customer information. All customers are welcome to travel with small pets under certain conditions.
Para Transpo fares
Per ride, per month, per day, and Para Transpo rates
Learn More about Para Transpo faresRegistration & eligibility
Para Transpo application form
Learn More about Registration & eligibility