OC Transpo apologizes for erroneous storm schedule signs in west end
OC Transpo is apologizing for posting signs with wrong information about its winter storm services at several bus stops in Kanata and Bells Corners.
A photo of one of the signs appeared on Reddit earlier this week and spread on other social media platforms. It said that when a severe storm schedule is in effect, there would be no service on routes 161, 164, 168, 252, 256, 257, and school routes.
Transit users said they were concerned that so many cancellations would mean virtually no service in the event of a storm. But the sign's list of cancelled routes does not match what is on OC Transpo's own website describing the severe storm schedule. Online, it says the 164 would operate normally and the 168, 256, and 257 routes would have modified schedules. Only the 161 would be cancelled.
The sign also doesn't specify when a severe storm schedule is enacted. OC Transpo says the storm schedule comes into effect when forecasts predict more than 30 cm of snow or when other severe weather conditions, such as a mixture of wet, heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain, could seriously affect service. Announcements that a storm schedule is being enacted are meant to be broadcast via OC Transpo text alerts and social media channels a day in advance.
In a Twitter thread Wednesday, OC Transpo said it made a mistake.
"It has come to our attention that some of our Severe Storm Schedule pilot signs posted in the west end have caused confusion," the thread began. "We have made a mistake. Signs posted at 25 stops are incorrect and will be replaced today. We do apologize. We know this is frustrating."
The signs were removed by 3 p.m., OC Transpo later tweeted.
The thread explained how the storm schedule is implemented and why.
The plan replaces most articulated buses with 40-foot and double-decker buses that struggle less in the snow, and runs buses on a Saturday schedule if the storm falls on a weekday. Shopper routes, which are 300-series buses, would be cancelled, as would school routes. There will be no changes to Para Transpo and O-Train service during heavy snowstorms.
Severe storm schedules would not be implemented on weekends, but OC Transpo would still limit the number of articulated buses on the roads.
"This is a lesson learned from previous severe storms. It will allow us to deliver safe and more reliable service under severe conditions," OC Transpo said.
The coming winter storm isn't forecasting enough snow for a severe storm schedule.
Correction
The story was updated to include additional information about when the storm schedule is enacted, according to OC Transpo. In addition to 31 cm or more of snow, OC Transpo also lists several other issues, such as heavy, wet snow or freezing rain that could affect bus service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.