OC Transpo provides Carleton students with four different bus routes and the O-Train to commute to and from campus: the 4 Rideau Centre, the 4 Hurdman, the 7 St-Laurent, and the 111 Baseline. All busses pass through Carleton approximately every 20 minutes on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weekends.
Tip: While on weekdays the bus schedule times are fairly accurate, on weekends the buses never arrive when expected. So just show up when you feel like leaving and hope for the best.
4 Rideau Centre: This route takes students through the downtown area to the Rideau Centre, and leaves them within seconds of the Byward Market. It is also the quickest bus route to get downtown.
Tip: Rarely does this bus actually follow the route that it is supposed to because of the ongoing construction on Bronson Street and through the downtown core. So, don’t panic when the bus is suddenly turning onto another streetóit will eventually make it downtown.
4 Hurdman: This bus route leads to Hurdman Station. From there, students can connect to the VIA Rail train station or to Gatineau. On the way, the bus passes the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre. This route also takes students from downtown back to Carleton.
Tip: Head to the back of the bus to avoid having to vacate your spot to make room for a stroller or anyone who needs priority seating while the bus is moving.
7 St-Laurent/Carleton: The 7 St-Laurent travels along Bank Street, through the Glebe, and to the downtown area. Students can reach Haven Books (Sunnyside and Seneca stop), and the Greyhound bus station (Bank and Flora stop). The 7 Carleton also travels along Bank Street, taking students from the downtown area back to Carleton.
Tip: Never take the 7 if you need to get downtown in a hurry because it stops at almost every second street and there are always people getting on and off.
111 Baseline/Carleton: This bus route travels away from the downtown area. It leads students through Billings Bridge station and ends at Baseline station. This bus route only runs from Monday to Friday.
Tip: Pay attention, and know the exact name of the stop youíre waiting for because some of the names sound extremely similar, but are unfortunately very far apart when youíre forced to walk.
O-Train: The O-Train is the quickest mode of transportation and passes through Carleton every 15 minutes. Heading towards Greenboro leads students to the South Keys shopping centre (Greenboro stop), which includes Wal-Mart, Loblaws, Staples, Chapters, and the Cineplex Odeon movie theatre. Heading towards Bayview takes students to Dow’s Lake (Carling stop), and continues to Bayview station.
Tip: Think carefully before running after the O-Train, especially in the winter when the walkways are covered with ice, because unlike buses, the O-Train will never stop.
All Carleton students have unlimited access to all bus routes and the O-Train with the U-Pass they receive for the fall and winter terms.
