OC Transpo to ring in 2025 with free transit on New Year's Eve
A train passes under an overpass along the Confedration Line of Ottawa's LRT. (CTV News Ottawa)
OC Transpo will ring in 2025 with free transit on New Year's Eve.
The Transit Service outlined changes to its winter service schedule on Thursday, including plans for no-charge transit on Dec. 31.
Transit Services general manager Renee Amilcar says free transit will be provided after 6 p.m. on trains, buses and Para Transpo on New Year's Eve.
The free New Year's Eve transit is courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Ottawa and Area.
OC Transpo bus service will be operating on a reduced weekday schedule on December 31, with additional resources "available to supplement busy routes as required," Amilcar said.
The O-Train will operate on a reduced Friday schedule from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m., with peak period service every five minutes. The B2 buses will operate on a special schedule from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Para Transpo will operate until 3 a.m.
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Here is a look at the OC Transpo schedule changes over the holidays:
Christmas Week
Amilcar says on Dec. 23, Dec. 24 and Dec. 27, bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule and the O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule with peak period service every five minutes.
School services, including 600-series routes, will not operate, as schools will be closed during the week of Christmas.
Christmas Day
OC Transpo buses will operate on a Sunday schedule and O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Boxing Day
OC Transpo buses and the O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule on Dec. 26. Amilcar says additional resources will be available to supplement busy routes as required.
New Year's Week
On Dec. 30, Dec. 31, Jan. 2 and Jan. 3, buses will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. The O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, with peak period service every five minutes.
School services, including 600-series routes, will not operate, as schools will be closed during the week of New Year's.
New Year's Day
OC Transpo buses and the O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule. B2 buses will also operate on a Sunday schedule.
Other changes
OC Transpo's winter service changes will begin on Dec. 22 and Jan. 6.
Starting on Dec. 22, routes 74, 198, 278 and 406 will be extended to Limebank Station, and Line 2 buses will be renamed to B2 buses
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