By Christina Clemis
OC Transpo and Ottawa’s sports radio station have formed an alliance, just in time for the NHL playoffs.
But amidst praise for the project from fans, there have been complaints of annoyance from bus drivers.
The pilot project, which began in March, allows fans who ride the 400-series buses – a shuttle service to the Corel Centre before and after games and events – a chance to hear OSR1200’s pre-game and post-game shows through the bus’s intercom system.
Fans can catch the 401, 403 or the 405 buses at most major stations (and along Albert Street) throughout Ottawa from an hour and 45 minutes to an hour before game time. They leave the Corel Centre immediately afterwards.
Sens fan Ian Rooney, a frequent 400-series rider, says he has been petitioning for a program for months. He says he hopes they even consider TV or radio for all buses, not just the 400-series.
“It is so much more entertaining as a fan,” Rooney says. “It adds a lot to the ride. In fact, I think it would even improve and increase ridership to the game.”
Hearing the warm welcome to the bus riders from sportscaster Dean Brown on the first day of the hook-up was a real thrill, Rooney says.
Paul Couvillon, an occasional 403 bus driver, says he doesn’t always see it that way.
“To me it’s a bother,” says Couvillon, who is not a hockey fanatic.
He says there are many drivers who hold conversations with their riders, or riders who speak loudly to each other, and the Sens program is just another distraction to add to the pile.
“Besides, the riders seem too busy doing their own thing to really even notice.”
Couvillon says some riders have asked him about the program or say that they like it, but he often wonders how much they have heard.
“They are usually talking to each other, or cheering on the ride home, because the team won,” says Couvillon, who tries to keep the broadcast loud enough so people are aware that it is on. “Most people just don’t pay attention.”
But, he adds, for those people that express an interest in the show, he has no problem continuing to provide the service.
Some riders may not even be aware the program is in effect, because some bus drivers play it softly or don’t turn it on at all.
Oxana Sawka, director of marketing and communications for OC Transpo, says that shouldn’t happen.
“As far as I understand, every bus (going to the Corel Centre) is supposed to play the broadcast,” Sawka says. “The equipment folks have made it easy for the bus drivers to override the OSR program if they need to make an announcement on the intercom.”
There have been no official complaints from riders or drivers, Sawka says. In fact, the opposite has been true.
“Everyone calling in about the program have been thrilled to bits,” she says.
As for the future of the project, Sawka says it all depends on the overall feedback, from fans, drivers and tech people. For now, the project will last as long as the Sens play, she says.
Other forms of entertainment have not been discussed yet, Sawka says.
“We shall see how this goes and concentrate on this project,” she says.
Fans will get a chance to get the low-down on game stats and after game performance as the Sens began their playoff run April 12.
It’s a Canadian battle royale against the Toronto Maple Leafs.