Blackburn Hamlet To Test On-Demand Transit

Published 02/05/2024 · Updated 06/10/2024

This is a release from the City of Ottawa:

OC Transpo On-Demand transit pilot launch in

Blackburn Hamlet

Date: February 5, 2024

This memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that the first phase of OC Transpo’s On-Demand transit pilot project will launch on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

During the soft launch of this first phase of testing, On-Demand buses will offer service in Blackburn Hamlet and to and from Blair Station and Gloucester Centre only on Sundays from 9 am to 6:30 pm and on select holidays. Route 28 will continue to operate on weekdays and Saturdays, and will also run on February 11, the first Sunday of the On-Demand transit pilot.

The pilot will be extended in the future to include testing on both Saturdays and Sundays. This testing period will provide valuable feedback on the customer experience. Customers in Blackburn Hamlet are encouraged to provide feedback during the ongoing testing by using OC Transpo’s website feedback form or by calling Customer Service at 613-560-5000.

During the On-Demand pilot, participating customers can book same-day and next-day trips between select bus stops in Blackburn Hamlet and at Blair Station and Gloucester Centre using the On-Demand Transit Rider App on their mobile device, or by calling OC Transpo Customer Service.

On-Demand transit uses technology to create responsive service, based on customer trip requests instead of traditional fixed routes and schedules. Software for the pilot project is being provided by Pantonium Inc. at no cost to the City through a grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada. OC Transpo is working closely with Pantonium Inc. to continually test and improve the software to achieve optimal performance.

The potential benefits of on-demand transit service can include shorter wait and travel times, shorter walking distances, increased travel options for customers, and lower emissions.

OC Transpo hosted a public information session for Blackburn Hamlet residents on November 25, 2023, and has provided information products to local residents. Updates

M E M O / N O T E D E S E R V I C E

on this new service are also being communicated in a variety of ways, including on street signage, social media, and on octranspo.com.

Further updates on the results of the pilot project and on future plans will be provided to the Transit Commission.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

—