Introduction

As the anticipation builds for the opening of the new north-south LRT (Light Rail Transit) line, many commuters from Barrhaven are still relying heavily on buses for their daily journeys into downtown Ottawa. The ongoing reliance on these traditional transit options raises questions about convenience and efficiency, especially during peak travel times.

Barrhaven Councillors Engage with Commuters

Recently, Barrhaven councillors engaged with OC Transpo users at the Fallowfield Park and Ride to collect insights about the commuting experience. During a busy Wednesday morning commute around 7:30 a.m., the scene was bustling with commuters eager to catch their buses, with some already aboard buses that had picked up passengers further south.

Commuter Experiences

Kaitlyn Edwards, a regular commuter to downtown, noted changes in bus service since the pandemic. "Before, there were many more express buses," she explained. "But even now, it’s still a lot quicker than driving." This sentiment echoed among transit users, many of whom have experienced higher traffic since students returned to school and federal employees were mandated to return to the office three days a week.

Insufficient Bus Routes

Unfortunately, some bus routes are proving insufficient to meet the increased demand. Councillor David Hill highlighted that on certain days, buses arriving at Fallowfield Station can be full before reaching the stop, causing riders to wait for one or two additional buses. This is particularly concerning for residents in areas like Half Moon Bay, who have raised complaints about overcrowding.

Longer Commute Times

Alyn Kenji Marsh, another commuter, shared his experience where sometimes he struggles to board a bus. His typical commute takes about an hour, consisting of a ten-minute drive to Fallowfield, followed by around thirty minutes on the bus, and then a brief train ride and walk. Councillor Wilson Lo noted that increased commute times have become a major challenge, with some telling him their travel time has doubled since before the pandemic.

Discontent with Service Frequency

While some commuters are satisfied with the current service, others believe improvements are necessary. Debra Alivisatos, who drives a short distance to use the Park and Ride, mentioned waiting inconsistencies for her bus. "Sometimes I have to wait twenty minutes or ten," she said, adding she hopes for increased train frequency, especially during rush hours.

Changes in Train Service

In a recent change, OC Transpo reduced the frequency of Line 1 service from every five minutes to every ten during non-peak hours to cut costs—a decision that has not been well-received by all. A student commuting to the University of Ottawa expressed frustration over delays, stating, "The trains are always late," while another noted poor timing coordination between buses and trains.

A Transit Race

As part of an informal experiment, CTV News Ottawa conducted a race between Councillor Hill and a reporter to determine whether driving or taking transit is faster during peak hours. Starting their journeys around 8:45 a.m., Councillor Hill took public transit, while the reporter drove. Hill managed to board an express bus that got him to Tunney’s Pasture, though a five-minute wait for the train affected his total time.

Results of the Race

The reporter, meanwhile, took the car via Woodroffe Avenue to the Queensway and parked at City Hall—arriving in just 34 minutes. Councillor Hill, using transit for the same trip, arrived 20 minutes later, highlighting the ongoing debate over the efficacy of public transport options in the face of growing commuter demands.

Conclusion

As Barrhaven continues to grow, the questions surrounding bus capacity, train schedules, and overall synchronization of transit services remain urgent topics for local officials and commuters alike. Will improvements be made in time to facilitate smoother commutes? Only time will tell!