Ottawa's OC Transpo is set to implement its severe storm response plan for the first time this Thursday, as the city braces for more than 40 centimeters of snow expected to blanket the region beginning Wednesday evening. This initiative was adopted following last winter’s major disruptions, where countless buses were stranded due to heavy snowfall.
The transit authority announced plans to scale back bus services significantly, reducing frequency to resemble a Saturday schedule. According to OC Transpo's Transit General Manager Renée Amilcar, this move aims to bolster the reliability of the transport system amid anticipated challenging conditions.
"I’m not here today to say everything will be perfect tomorrow," Amilcar remarked at the press briefing on storm preparations held at city hall. She acknowledged the potential issues, stating, "We know we will have to deal with challenges," and encouraged residents to use OC Transpo’s online route planner to strategize their journeys or, perhaps more bluntly, to stay home.
Approximately 200 fewer buses will operate on the roads to alleviate congestion. Troy Charter, manager of bus and rail operations, explained the focus would be on deploying buses less likely to get stuck, such as double-decker and 40-foot buses. Articulated buses, which are more prone to difficulties during heavy snow, will be sidelined as part of the plan.
Several bus routes will be completely cancelled, including the 600 series school routes and notable routes such as 114, 121, 154, 155, 161, 186, 190, and 202. The ParaTranspo service will continue to operate normally, alongside the LRT Lines 1, 2, and 4, which are also expected to function as per schedule.
This winter storm response plan was put together after severe difficulties during the winter of 2022-23, which left hundreds of buses stuck and commuters waiting indefinitely at stops. Amilcar reflected on those trying experiences, saying, "We had almost 300 buses stuck in the traffic [that winter]. We have learned from this bad experience." The plan is triggered whenever forecasts suggest 31 centimeters of snow or more, the threshold met well before the expected storm.
Across the Ottawa-Gatineau area, schools have begun to close as storm preparations set in. The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority confirmed all school buses would be cancelled on Thursday. The Western Quebec school boards, including the Centres de services scolaires des Draveurs, Cœur-des-Vallées, and Portages-de-l'Outaouais, have opted for school closures on Thursday due to safety concerns amid the storm.
Weather experts anticipate this major snowstorm will peak Thursday morning before tapering off throughout the day. Alain Gonthier, Ottawa's general manager of public works, emphasized the city’s readiness, stating, "We are prepared. We’re built to handle these kinds of events, so it’s all hands on deck right now." He cautioned residents to expect potential road closures and advised against unnecessary travel to mitigate risk, citing the lurking threat of rapidly accumulating snow.
Compounding the disruption, parking bans throughout Ottawa will be effective from 10 am to 7 pm on both Thursday and Friday. The city said it could lift restrictions if snowfall is below expected amounts. Municipalities, including nearby Lanark County, echoed similar declarations to adjust their services against the impending winter storm.
Transit authorities and city officials have communicated the importance of remaining vigilant and adaptable during this harsh weather. "We’re really asking residents to, if they have the option to stay home or take transit, to please do so," Gonthier reiterated, as city crews worked diligently on clearing roads and maintaining public transportation infrastructure.
Snow cleaning operations are fully mobilized, focusing on priority roads, bus routes, sidewalks, and the winter cycling network. The threat of blowing and drifting snow could make clearing efforts more complicated, leading to potential delays. Residents are urged to remain patient as the city works to restore normalcy the day after the snowstorm.
Public transport services outside Ottawa, especially the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), also encouraged customers to stay informed via their website updates, ensuring comprehensive communication between transit companies and the commuters they serve.
With airlines also adjusting schedules at Ottawa International Airport, travelers are reminded to check with their respective airlines for potential flight changes and to allocate extra travel time due to the inclement weather.
Through strategic planning and community cooperation, Ottawa hopes to navigate the storm effectively, aiming to maintain reliable services for those who need to travel during this challenging weather event.