OC Transpo prints new signs after R1 bus signs cause confusion on Queen Street

OC Transpo says it's simplifying signs to direct riders to R1 bus service in downtown Ottawa after some passengers complained the signs were too confusing.

The transit service installed new signs at bus stops on Queen Street Saturday night, and promised that "further improvements to signs" will be made on Monday.

R1 replacement bus service continues to run between Blair and Tunney's Pasture stations while the O-Train is out of service for LRT vehicle inspections and the root cause investigation into an axle bearing issue on one train. There is no word on when light-rail transit service will resume, with an update promised on Monday.

In a bid to speed up bus service in downtown Ottawa, OC Transpo redirected R1 replacement service from Queen Street to Albert and Slater streets, serving riders who use Parliament and Lyon stations.

However, the new signs set up at R1 bus stops on Queen Street to direct passengers to Albert and Slater confused some riders.

The signs included symbols for east and westbound R1 bus service. Next to R1 east was a crossed out letter A and an arrow to a box saying Slater/O'Connor stop #3007. Next to R1 west was a crossed out letter B with an arrow to a box saying Albert/Bank stop #3002.

There was also a map with the locations of the stops.

The new signs remove the A and B letters for the stops on Queen Street, and features R1 east with an arrow directing passengers to Slater/O'Connor and R1 west with an arrow directing passengers to Albert/Bank.

Transit Services general manager Renee Amilcar says a dedicated team is meeting regularly, including on weekends, to "action customer feedback as quickly as possible."

"We have developed a plan to address the signage, which includes simplifying the information being provided to customers," Amilcar said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

"The printing and installing of new signs may take some time to complete; the aim is for this to be completed today. Further improvements to signs will be made on Monday."

The initial signs caused confusion for transit riders, and prompted several complaints on Twitter about the symbols directing passengers to stops at a time when passengers are already upset with the transit disruptions.

"This is a sign at Bank and Albert, where yesterday a new R1 bus stop magically appeared after moving from Queen with no warning. I truly have no idea what this sign is telling us," Globe and Mail reporter Shannon Proudfoot said on Twitter.

Joel Klebanoff replied to Proudfoot, "I think it's perfectly clear what that sign is saying. It's saying take an Uber."

CTV News Ottawa Chief News Anchor Graham Richardson pointed out the signs "say big things about public transit in this city right now."

"A bus stop has moved. 10 bucks for anyone who can actual decipher what transit riders are supposed to do and where they’re supposed to go," Richardson said on Twitter.

In a statement on Twitter on Saturday, OC Transpo thanked social media users for the feedback regarding the confusing R1 bus signs for service on Albert and Slater streets.

"You'll see new signs today, and more improvements will come on Monday," OC Transpo said.

"Our outreach team is at various R1 locations to answer any questions during your trip."

Amilcar says the OC Transpo travel planner has been updated with the latest R1 bus stop information.

With files from CTV News Ottawa's Natalie van Rooy