OC Transpo’s push to optimize bus routes is one factor that could lead to the biggest change in operations since amalgamation, said the organization's general manager Alain Mercier.
Mercier made the announcement at the interim transit commission on Wednesday morning.
Dubbed the Optimization Plan, proposed changes to services by OC Transpo include 35 “packages” that would affect the way about 11,000 people use transit in Ottawa.
“We’re creating a new OC Transpo,” said Mercier.
Key changes that would impact the downtown area, if the plan is implemented later this year, include bus services on Preston Street and Bronson Avenue.
On Preston route No. 85 would operate between Albert Street and Carling Avenue, replacing the No. 3, which would no longer run. Buses No. 101 and No. 102 travelling east would be changed to operate between Preston and Bronson.
For summer use, a new weekend route would be introduced to operate from the downtown to the Agriculture Musuem.
On Bronson, riders boarding the No. 85 between Albert and Slater Streets could instead be riding the No. 4. Also, on weekends and in the evening, No. 85 would turn around at Laurier Station rather than travelling to Hurdman.
Other changes for transit on Bronson include the creation of a new bus route No. 104 that would replace part of what is currently serviced by the No. 4.
Additional routes affected under the proposed plan include No. 176, which would be retired, the No. 6 that would no longer travel down Parkdale Avenue, and the No. 82 would end at LeBreton Station.
On evenings and weekends routes No. 9 and No. 12 would turn around at Elgin Street.
According to manager of transit service design Pat Scrimgeour, route optimization could lead to a savings of $19.5 million annually and $6.5 million in 2011.
If changes aren’t made, residents could face a property tax increase of “at least” five per cent by 2016, which translates to $145 million, added Scrimgeour.
Public consultations on route optimization will take place until April 7, with the first set to be held March 29 from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at City Hall in the Jean Pigott Place room.
To find out more about proposed changes, visit the City of Ottawa homepage and click on "OC Transpo's proposed Transit Plan – Public Consultation on 2011 Network Optimization" under "Highlights."