OC Transpo reducing bus service on February 13 for winter storm

Published on
February 12, 2025
Parking, roads, traffic and transit

On Thursday, February 13, OC Transpo will implement its Severe Storm Schedule(link is external) for buses in anticipation of a severe winter storm forecast for Ottawa. A Severe Storm Schedule is implemented when 31 cm or more of snow is predicted to fall or under other severe weather conditions. The Severe Storm Schedule does not apply to O-Train service, which will run on a normal schedule.   

When the Severe Storm Schedule is implemented on Thursday, February 13:

  • Bus service will follow a reduced schedule in order to provide safer and more reliable service during the winter storm and to allow the entire network to recover more quickly.   
  • Most routes in the network will be affected by these schedule adjustments. Many routes will have reduced frequencies and modified trip times, and select routes will not run. 
  • Customers are strongly encouraged to use the Travel Planner, double-check their route before they travel and expect delays.  
  • Many articulated buses will be replaced with 40-foot and double-decker buses to improve service reliability.   
  • O-Train and Para Transpo service levels will not be reduced, but customers should still plan ahead, expect delays and exercise increased caution when boarding and exiting vehicles and at bus stops and station platforms. 
  • Para Transpo customers can use My Para Transpo(link is external) to check the location of their vehicle.

We thank customers for their patience as OC Transpo staff work to keep our city moving.

For updates on the Severe Storm Schedule or trip planning assistance, please visit octranspo.com(link is external) or call 613-560-5000. You can also connect with OC Transpo on Facebook(link is external), X(link is external) (formerly Twitter), and Instagram(link is external)

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook(link is external), X(link is external) (formerly Twitter), and Instagram(link is external).