Business

OC Transpo Launches New Bus Route, Discontinues Youth Passes

Published

5 days ago

24 August, 2025

OC Transpo has unveiled its new fall service schedule, effective on September 1, 2025, which includes the launch of a 24-hour direct bus route connecting the Ottawa International Airport to multiple transit stations. This change is part of the City of Ottawa’s annual adjustments aimed at improving public transportation in response to seasonal demand and construction projects.

The newly introduced Route 105 will operate around the clock, providing service every 30 minutes from both St-Laurent and Hurdman stations to the airport. This route is designed to enhance accessibility for residents in the east end of Ottawa. During overnight hours, when O-Train Line 1 is not in operation, buses will facilitate connections from Rideau and Hurdman stations to the airport.

Details of the New Route

Troy Charter, acting general manager of OC Transpo, emphasized the significance of the new route, stating it would “offer more options for east-end residents accessing the airport.” He noted that Route 105 aims to provide direct connections from O-Train Line 1 at Hurdman Station, as well as from intercity buses and trains at St-Laurent and Tremblay stations. The route is named in honour of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, a renowned supersonic aircraft symbolizing Canadian innovation.

In addition to using the new bus service, travellers can also utilize the O-Train to reach the airport. Passengers can take O-Train Line 2 to South Keys Station and then transfer to Line 4 for the final leg to the Ottawa Airport Station. Previously, transit riders needed to make two bus transfers from St-Laurent Station to reach the airport.

Changes to Youth Passes

September 1, 2025. This decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance revenue streams for the transportation service. Following the changes, customers previously eligible for the Youth monthly pass will now be required to pay the standard adult monthly fare of $135.

The decision to eliminate the Youth pass was approved by the Ottawa City Council as part of the 2025 budget. Data from OC Transpo indicates that approximately 1,700 customers purchased the Youth transit pass monthly between January and June 2025. Furthermore, around 19,100 Youth passes were distributed through the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority.

Despite the discontinuation of the Youth pass, OC Transpo maintains that children aged 11 and 12 will still benefit from a reduced fare of $2 per ride, while children under 10 can ride for free.

The changes to OC Transpo’s service this fall reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to the needs of its users, particularly with the influx of students returning for the academic year. For further information, transit users can visit the official OC Transpo website.