5 Things You Must Know When Getting a Bus Pass in Ottawa

Whether you’re a visitor or a native of Ottawa, navigating the city’s extensive public transit system is an essential skill for everyone. 

OC Transpo, the city’s bus service, efficiently connects various parts of Ottawa, ensuring convenient access to its diverse neighborhoods. 

The main East-West highway, Highway 417, offers an exclusive express route for buses and high-occupancy vehicles. This makes commuting within the city a quick and smooth experience, even during peak hours.

While Ottawa boasts a light rail system in the southern region, the primary East-West travel corridor predominantly relies on buses. 

Don’t worry because we’ll tell you everything you need to know before getting your bus pass in Ottawa. Before you know it, you’ll be riding through the city, no sweat!

1. You can avail of discounted bus rates.

Before loading your bus pass, you just have to set your discount at any of the Customer Service Centres. Senior citizens, students, children, persons with disabilities, and eligible persons on a low income can avail may avail of these reduced fares.

So be sure to take advantage of these savings and approach the nearest customer service representative if you fall into any of these categories!

2. You can pay via cash, credit, or debit card.

If you don’t think you’ll need a monthly bus pass, you can choose to pay your fare using cash instead. When you board the bus by the front doors, be sure to have the exact amount to put in the fare box, and wait for the receipt before taking your seat!

You can also get a single-ride ticket at the ticket machine and pay via cash, credit, and or debit card.

The average cost of a single regular route ride, if you’re paying using cash, is $3.55, and $3.20 if you’re using tickets instead. For a day pass, expect to pay an average of $8.30.

3. You can get a monthly bus pass. 

If you know for sure that you’ll be using the bus several times throughout the month, Ottawa offers monthly bus passes. This type of pass will go on sale 14 days before the start of the month and costs around $103.25.

Keep in mind that monthly bus passes are only valid on the month it’s bought. Additionally, only Ontario residents can avail of this type of pass.

4. Students can get a U-Pass through their student organization.

For students who regularly use the bus in their daily commute, you can buy a U-Pass from your student organization for $192.70 per term. This kind of pass is also available during the summer term and is only available to Ontario and Quebec residents.

5. The buses are accessible to the elderly and disabled persons.

Whether you yourself are elderly or disabled or not, you don’t have to worry if you’re still wondering if you or your loved one can even get in the vehicle. 

OC Transpo’s buses are low-floor accessible to make it easy for the aforementioned kinds of passengers to get inside. If that’s the only thing keeping you from getting a bus pass, then we suggest you get one now with everything cleared up!