OC Transpo introducing new R1 Express route as O-Train shutdown enters a third week

OC Transpo is introducing a new R1 Express route between Blair Station and downtown Ottawa this week, as the O-Train shutdown enters a third week.

OC Transpo is introducing a new R1 Express bus between Blair Station and downtown Ottawa this week, as the O-Train will remain out of service until at least the second week of August.

Transit Services general manager Renee Amilcar announced the new R1 Express will run every 15 minutes on weekdays between Blair Station and Mackenzie King Bridge and Albert Street.

"OC Transpo has listened to and heard the feedback from customers on R1 bus service and is responding," Amilcar said in a memo to Council Sunday morning.

"This service will be in addition to the existing R1 bus service, which continues to operate on the same service pattern and schedule. The R1 Express service will run westbound on weekday mornings and eastbound during weekday afternoons and will offer our customers an additional travel option during the busiest commuting times."

R1 buses will continue to run between Blair and Tunney's Pasture stations.

Transit Commission Chair Glen Gower tells CTV News Ottawa commuters in the east end have been experiencing trips of at least an hour on the R1 service.

"This is something that people in the east end have been asking for and the councillors in the east end have been raising as a concern,' Gower said about the reason for the new R1 Express service.