The Interprovincial Transit Strategy is a collaborative effort led by the National Capital Commission (NCC), the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) and the City of Ottawa as funding partners, with the participation of the Ville de Gatineau.
For most commuters, the National Capital Region is a continuum. Gatineau and Ottawa form an increasingly integrated metropolitan economy, labour market, housing market, environmental system and watershed, independent of geographic boundaries. Currently, about 60,000 commuters travel to and from the two cities for work on a daily basis.
As the region undergoes population and employment growth, the Interprovincial Transit Strategy will identify solutions to move people more seamlessly and efficiently in and through city cores, and explore the challenges and opportunities of our current and future transit systems in delivering a continuous interprovincial service.
By better integrating interprovincial transit services, riders will be better served and ridership will increase. Yet, this solution is not just about transit; it’s also about improving quality of life for both commuters and non-commuters. An integrated transit service will have a beneficial ripple effect on the downtown cores’ character, leading to a more vibrant and prosperous core area.
New ideas are needed to inform an open and productive discussion around how best to integrate the services offered by STO and OC Transpo. As a result of public contribution, existing concerns will be addressed and creative, yet realistic solutions will be found, resulting in a more convenient and integrated transit service. To find out about the Strategy`s progress click here.
A priority is to keep stakeholders, the public and the media informed of all new developments and opportunities to become involved. Several opportunities have been planned for the public and stakeholders to have their say in the Strategy and to provide their ideas for the best solution for the National Capital Region. To view details of the consultation program, please see Public Consultation. To review summary reports and input that has been received to date, please click here.
The anticipated completion date for the Strategy is late 2010 or early 2011. The Strategy will take into account short, medium and long-term perspectives, up to the year 2031.
The NCC has retained the services of McCormick Rankin Corporation, AECOM and PACE Public Affairs & Community Engagement to assist it in this process. All partners share a common goal to make the National Capital core area a more vibrant, liveable and attractive destination, with less reliance on private vehicles.