OC Transpo warning riders it does not offer unmarked rideshare services
If you're waiting for an OC Transpo bus, and someone drives up in an unmarked vehicle claiming to be OC Transpo, don't get in the car.
That's the warning from OC Transpo Wednesday. In a pair of tweets, the transit service cautioned riders about unmarked vehicles offering rides at bus stops and transit stations.
"OC Transpo does not pick up passengers in unmarked vehicles, from bus stops or transit stations," it said. "If someone approaches you claiming to be an OC Transpo rideshare service do not enter the vehicle and call the Ottawa Police Services."
A statement attributed to OC Transpo Chief Safety Officer Paul Treboutat says OC Transpo was made aware of comments on social media about suspicious activity.
"OC Transpo is aware of reports on social media of a man in a black sedan claiming to be offering rides on behalf of OC Transpo," the statement says. "Our Special Constables Unit informed the Ottawa Police Service of the posts."
A Reddit post Wednesday morning asked others if they had encountered someone pulling up in a black sedan, claiming to be from the transit service.
The original poster said she was waiting at a stop near Bank Street and Heron Road. The man arrived in a black sedan and said the bus wasn't coming, but he was sent by OC Transpo to offer a ride.
"I declined and he drove off, but the whole encounter seemed off and the bus arrived as scheduled not long afterwards," she wrote. "I reported it to the driver who seemed concerned and said he'd call it in."
She said OC Transpo took her story very seriously and recommended she file a police report.
It's not known how many times this may have happened to others.
Ottawa police did not confirm or deny to CTV News Ottawa whether an investigation was underway.
OC Transpo asked anyone who experiences a similar incident should contact Ottawa police. They also recommended filing an incident report with OC Transpo.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.