In early 2024, the City of Ottawa launched an On-Demand Pilot Project in Blackburn Hamlet to assess the feasibility of on-demand transit services. This initiative aimed to enhance public transportation by offering flexible routing and scheduling in response to real-time customer demands.

The pilot commenced on February 11, 2024, replacing the fixed-route 28 bus service on Sundays and select holidays. Utilizing existing minibuses from OC Transpo’s fleet during off-peak times, the service allowed residents to book rides via a smartphone app or by calling OC Transpo’s customer service center. Over the course of the pilot, from February 11 to June 9, 2024, the service completed 191 trips, with 76% of these trips connecting passengers to and from Blair Station. The average onboard time was less than 15 minutes, indicating efficient service delivery.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Councillor Laura Dudas, representing the area, praised the service, stating, “It was phenomenal. It was a wonderful experience.” Riders appreciated the reduced waiting times and the convenience of flexible scheduling. One user described the service as a “game changer,” highlighting its impact on improving transit accessibility in the area.

Building on the success of the pilot, OC Transpo has ordered ten minibuses to support the expansion of on-demand transit services. These vehicles are expected to arrive in 2025, enabling the city to broaden the reach of on-demand transit to other areas with limited evening and weekend services or neighborhoods lacking fixed-route options. The city plans to issue a Request for Proposal for long-term software solutions to support this expansion, with the new contract commencing upon the arrival of the new minibuses.

Ottawa’s On-Demand Pilot Project in Blackburn Hamlet has demonstrated the potential of flexible transit solutions to meet the evolving needs of residents. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of adaptive transit strategies in enhancing urban mobility and accessibility.