Posted by: Karim Ali
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Where should you live for optimal public transit access in Ottawa?
If you’re planning to buy a home in Ottawa and rely on public transit, you need to know the best areas to live. This read will guide you through the top neighbourhoods and suburbs in Ottawa with excellent public transit options.
Est. reading time: 7 mins
Overview of Ottawa's Public Transit
Current Public Transit in Ottawa
Ottawa’s public transit system, operated by OC Transpo, includes a comprehensive network of bus routes and the O-Train light rail. These services make commuting across the city efficient and accessible for residents.
- Bus Routes:
- Rapid Bus Services: OC Transpo offers rapid bus services (numbered in the 90s) that provide high-frequency service along key corridors, such as the Transitway, connecting various parts of the city quickly and efficiently.
- Local and Express Routes: Local routes (numbered below 100) serve specific neighbourhoods, while express routes (numbered in the 200s) provide faster service to downtown from suburban areas during peak hours.
- Night Bus Service: Night buses (numbered in the 300s) operate after regular service hours, ensuring connectivity across the city during late hours
- O-Train Light Rail:
- Confederation Line (Line 1): This east-west line runs from Tunney’s Pasture in the west to Blair Station in the east, passing through downtown Ottawa. Key stations include Rideau, Parliament, and Lyon.
- Trillium Line (Line 2): This north-south line runs from Bayview Station to Greenboro Station. The Trillium Line connects with the Confederation Line at Bayview Station, providing easy transfers between lines.
Future Transit Plans in Ottawa
Ottawa has ambitious plans to expand and improve its public transit system, aiming to make commuting even more convenient and efficient. The Stage 2 LRT project is a significant part of these plans, with expected completion by 2025.
- Stage 2 LRT Expansion:
- Confederation Line East Extension: The line will extend from Blair Station to Trim Road in Orleans, adding several new stations and improving service to the eastern suburbs.
- Confederation Line West Extension: The line will extend from Tunney’s Pasture to Moodie Drive and Algonquin College, with new stations improving access to the western suburbs and key destinations like Kanata.
- Trillium Line South Extension: This extension will take the Trillium Line from Greenboro to Riverside South and Limebank Road, with a branch to the Ottawa International Airport, enhancing connectivity to the southern parts of the city.
- Stage 3 LRT Expansion (Future Plans):
- Kanata and Barrhaven Extensions: Stage 3 plans include further extensions to Kanata and Barrhaven, integrating these growing suburbs more closely with the city’s core transit network. Timelines for these expansions are still being developed, with planning and funding discussions ongoing.
Areas Served by Current Transit and Future Expansions
- Downtown and Central Ottawa: Served by the Confederation Line, providing excellent connectivity to major employment centres, shopping districts, and entertainment venues.
- Eastern Ottawa (Orleans): Currently served by rapid bus routes and the Confederation Line at Blair Station. Future expansion will enhance service with the Confederation Line extending to Trim Road.
- Western Ottawa (Kanata, Westboro): Westboro is currently well-served by the Confederation Line. Kanata relies on rapid and express bus services, but will see improved connectivity with the future westward extension of the Confederation Line.
- Southern Ottawa (Riverside South, Barrhaven): Riverside South will benefit from the Trillium Line extension. Barrhaven is currently served by express bus routes and will see future LRT connectivity as part of Stage 3 plans.
- Northern Ottawa (Rockcliffe, Beacon Hill): These areas are primarily served by bus routes, with future transit improvements focusing on better integration with the expanded LRT network.
Best Neighbourhoods for Public Transit in Ottawa
As with most other cities, the neighbourhoods best served with transit are in the core. The closer you are to downtown, the better transit you’ll typically find. However, as you’ll notice below, the west and southern core neighbourhoods are better served than the eastern ones (e.g., Vanier or Manor Park).
a. Centretown
Centretown is in the heart of Ottawa, offering excellent access to major bus routes and O-Train stations. This neighbourhood is highly walkable, with plenty of amenities, shops, and dining options nearby.
b. Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill, close to the University of Ottawa, is well-served by OC Transpo. This vibrant, student-friendly neighbourhood offers a mix of rental and ownership options, making it an ideal spot for those who rely on public transit.
c. Hintonburg
Hintonburg has access to the Tunney’s Pasture O-Train station and numerous bus routes. Known for its trendy vibe, this neighbourhood offers a diverse range of housing options and amenities.
d. Westboro
Westboro is popular for its proximity to the O-Train’s Confederation Line and its high-end shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. It’s a family-friendly area with excellent schools and parks.
e. Glebe
Glebe is close to downtown and well-served by multiple bus routes. This charming residential area is known for its historic homes, community events, and vibrant local culture.
Best Suburbs for Public Transit in Ottawa
1. Barrhaven
- Extensive bus routes connecting to downtown Ottawa.
- Rapid transit stations and Park & Ride facilities
- Closest LRT stop currently planned
2. Orleans
- Direct OC Transpo routes to downtown and future LRT extension plans.
- Several Park & Ride facilities.
- Bad transit connections in the south-east of the neighbourhood, however.
3. Kanata
- Several express bus routes and Park & Ride options.
- Extensive rapid transit routes.
4. Riverside South
- Rapid transit connections.
- Planned LRT expansions.
Tips for Choosing a Neighbourhood Based on Public Transit
- Evaluate Your Commute: Consider your daily commute, and the location of your employment/school.
- Check Transit Frequency: Look at the frequency and reliability of transit options in the area. Use the Google Maps’ “arrive by” feature to determine travel time at various times of the week.
- Future Developments: Research future transit developments that may enhance connectivity.
Bonus tips
1
Community Forums
Join community groups or forums for insights and advice on each neighbourhood.
2
Explore Before You Commit
Spend some time in your neighbourhood or suburb of interest to experience the public transit firsthand.
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