Ottawa’s transit system just reached a major milestone. The launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 marks a bold step toward a more sustainable, accessible city. As Ottawa strives towards a net-zero future, high-quality, reliable, and inclusive transportation options are more important than ever.
With 16 new kilometres of rail, 13 new and upgraded stations, and a connection to Line 1 at Bayview Station, getting around Ottawa just became easier and greener. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or the airport, the new O-Train lines make sustainable travel a practical choice for everyone. For all the details on the new lines, visit OC Transpo.
Why Better Transit Matters for Ottawa’s Future
Public transit isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. Improving public transit is a key climate solution and a catalyst for a more connected city.
Replacing car trips with public transit can cut emissions by 75%, according to the Canadian Urban Transit Association. (Source: CUTA/ACTU)

Growing the O-Train network has other positive impacts for our community, many of which are also good for the planet and our community as a whole.
- Reliability: Grade-separated rail avoids traffic, ensuring on-time arrivals.
- Cost savings: Lower expenses on gas, parking, taxi/ride-hailing, and vehicle maintenance and/or ownership costs.
- Safer streets: Fewer cars mean safer conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
- Economic growth: Businesses gain access to more customers and a broader labour pool.
- Healthier living: Less air pollution and more opportunities for active transportation.
- Inclusive access: Supports the 20–40% of residents who don’t or can’t drive.
- Walkable communities: Makes it possible to build more of the housing options we need and want.
This is an exciting development for the city with an estimated 23,000 residents living close to O-Train stations. In only the first four days of operation, OC Transpo reports that there were 68,000 rides, meaning the O-Train is already reducing pollution! (Source: Ottawa Citizen)
Light Rail Alone Isn’t Enough

While expanding the O-Train is a big win, Ottawa’s transit system still faces challenges. Building light rail is expensive and challenging. Faster, cost-effective improvements, like more frequent buses, dedicated bus lanes, and bus rapid transit (BRT) are critical to meeting immediate climate and mobility goals. We need to reduce emissions and improve reliability and accessibility as soon as possible.
This is a particularly important time. While cities across Canada and around the world are grappling with how to make fast and effective changes to decarbonize the transportation sector, they lack having all the tools or funding required to be able to do so. Creative new approaches to funding, operations, and decision-making should be considered, to make sure we have the transit future we both need and deserve.
On January 27th, there was positive news on the funding front with the announcement of $180 million in transit funding over the next ten years from the federal government. This investment, which is part of the government’s Canada Public Transit Fund, is important to provide reliability and stability for public transportation.
Let’s Talk About What’s Next for Ottawa’s Transit
If you care about improving transit in Ottawa, you can be a part of our upcoming 2025 EnviroCentre Annual Symposium: Connecting the Dots on Transit. This event will bring together policymakers, advocates, businesses, and residents to discuss innovative, practical solutions for Ottawa’s transit system. Stay tuned for more details!

What You Can Do Today
Try the new O-Train Lines: Experience firsthand how expanded transit can change how we move.
If you can’t, tell decision-makers: City leaders make decisions based on what they hear from residents. Email your councillor (and the mayor) and tell them what you need from a transit system.
Share this post: Help spread the word about Ottawa’s growing transit system and why it matters.
Join the conversation: Follow EnviroCentre on LinkedIn for updates on sustainable transportation and upcoming events.
Author: Cassie Smith, Strategic Lead, Transportation Demand Management