Djeneba Dosso

LJI Reporter

As public servants and children return to work and school, STO is gearing up to meet the demand that has come with increased ridership by reinstating popular routes. Last week, during their general assembly, the transportation society’s board of directors announced all the improvements that will come into effect this winter. 

The ridership seen on the network in recent months and the workforce forecast are the best STO has seen in years revealed Jocelyn Blondin, Chairman of the STO’s Board of Directors. “For the first time since the start of the pandemic, we’re in a position to add service this winter,” she stated. 

Already, the STO has hit the ground running by increasing recruitment efforts, which will be vital in carrying out their winter service plan. As of January 6, 2025, the public transit service plans to reinstate routes 100 and 200 during peak hours, giving riders direct access to downtown Gatineau and Ottawa. Route 400 will be maintained during off-peak hours. Additionally, Sunday service will be upgraded to match Saturday service, meaning earlier and later ride options for passengers. The last change to be adopted in January will be a single schedule for weekends and holidays. 

These changes come in accordance with the orientations and the decision made by the municipal council, which is committed to improving the city’s transportation services as early as 2026, explains Blondin. “As you can see, we’re already in action.” 

This initiative comes after many outcries from Gatineau residents surrounding the city’s “outdated” public transit service. By adopting these improvements, STO is hoping to meet some of the demands of the riders who depend on their services. A communications campaign to advertize the service changes that will come into effect this winter will be launched in the coming weeks.