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A smiling bus driver next to the ORTC logo.

Ottawa River Transit

HomeLiving HereOttawa River Transit
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On-Demand Transit Service

New Service Starts August 5, 2025

On-Demand Transit is launching in the City of Pembroke this summer!

On-demand transit is a public transit service operating without a fixed route or schedule.  You simply request a trip and a transit vehicle is dispatched to serve your request. Rides are available on a first come, first served basis.

This service will be offered by Mobility Transportation Specialists (MTS) who provides all aspects of the service including drivers, vehicles and customer service. Ride requests will be managed using the Blaise transit software platform. 

As a service paid in part by City of Pembroke property taxes, this service will run within Pembroke city limits.  With many virtual stops across the city, you will be picked up and dropped off at the closest stop to your requested location.

For the best transit experience, book your ride using the Blaise app and allow notifications.  This will allow you to track your bus in real time and receive updates.

As a new service, adjustments may be necessary to address demand effectively, particularly during the first six-months of operation. We appreciate your feedback and patience as we make this transition.

For more information on this new service, click on the transit presentation.

Transit Presentation

A person using a mobile transit app.
Book a Ride

Download the Blaise app to book a ride!

*Note* Rides can be booked up to 7 days in advance.

Click the link or scan the QR code below to download the Blaise app through the App Store for Apple devices.

App Store (iPhone/iPad) 

QR Code to download the Blaise app in the App Store

Click the link or scan the QR code below to download the Blaise app through the Google Play Store for android devices.

Google Play Store (Android)

QR Code to download the Blaise app in the Google Play Store

For other booking methods, see Ways to Book a Ride.

 


Hours of Service

Summer Hours (starting first Monday in May to Labour Day):

Monday to Wednesday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Thursday and Friday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday: No service

Stat holiday: No service

 

Fall/Winter Hours (after Labour Day):

Monday to Friday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday: No service

Stat holiday: No service

 

Stat holidays include: New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Area of Service

The new on-demand transit service will run within Pembroke’s city limits only. ORTC will not be able to stop outside of city limits due to fare parity considerations with the Handi-bus service. This service is solely funded through fares, ads, government grants, and City of Pembroke property taxes.

Ottawa River Transit Service Map

Ways to Book a Ride

You can book a trip up to seven days in advance with three different ways:

1. Using the Blaise app; download for free on the App Store or Google Play.

2. On the web at ride.blaisetransit.com 

3. By calling customer service at 613-631-1766

Fares and How to Pay

Fares and Passes

Flat fare (ages 12 and up): $5 per ride. 

 

Children under 12 and support people for paid riders with disabilities ride free of charge. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult to use the service.

Forms are available for passengers requiring support workers to ensure the operator provides the right level of service to its riders. All information provided is confidential.

Ways to Pay

Payments can be made directly through the website or app using a credit card, Visa debit card, or supported digital wallets. You can also pay on-board with exact cash ($5).

Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policy for no-shows have not yet been set by council. More information to follow. 

Accessible Transit (Pembroke and Laurentian Valley Handi-Bus)

Riders who are unable to utilize a conventional transit service due to cognitive, physical, sensory, visual, age, or environmental limitations can use the Handi-Bus transit service operated by the Not for Profit organization Friends of The Disabled (Pembroke) Inc. The Handi-Bus provides a door-to-door transit service. To book a ride with the Pembroke & Laurentian Valley Handi-Bus or for additional information, please call 613-735-6998 or email pembrokehandibus@hotmail.com.

Travel Reminders

  • The on-demand transit service is a shared service. Please remember to be flexible and give yourself extra time.
  • Please be ready at the virtual bus stop at least five minutes early. Drivers are on a tight schedule and will leave the location if the rider is not ready at the confirmed time to avoid delays for other riders.
  • The cash fare is exact cash only.
  • Trips can be booked up to 7 days in advance. Trips must be booked a minimum of 15 minutes in advance. If you no longer need to travel, remember to cancel your trip at least 15 minutes in advance of your departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the ORTC On-Demand Transit service?

The need for public transit in Pembroke has been studied for the City for several years. Launched as a three-year pilot project in August 2025, Ottawa River Transit (ORTC) will provide a flexible public transportation service by bus that allows travel within the City of Pembroke – when and where it is wanted.

Is there a route for the service?

Unlike traditional buses that stick to a set route, ORTC will be an on-demand service that uses smart-technology to find the best route to get you where you need to go. Rides are available on a first come, first served basis. During the trip, the bus will try to group together passengers.

What does the bus look like?

The On-Demand Transit service will use three 2025 Dodge Promaster vehicles that have space for a total of eight passengers including up to two wheelchair accessible spaces. The vehicle will have a side-entry accessible ramp. 

Where are the bus stops?

ORTC will be made up of virtual stops (stops without any physical markers like a bus sign or shelter). This approach will provide the City the ability to move stops based on demand and feedback from the community.

Where can the service pick me up and drop me off?

ORTC uses a “stop-to-stop” model, with many virtual stops within City limits. This means that you will be picked up and dropped off at the closest stop to your desired location. The expectation is that riders will walk about 5 minutes to/from their designated stop to their origin/destination. Riders will be provided details about their stop location when booking their trip. 

How far in advance can I book my ride?

Trips can be booked up to seven (7) days to as little as 15 minutes in advance. If you need a return trip, try to book both trips at once, ensuring a ride home. 

When will I receive the details of my booking?

You will be notified within two minutes of selecting your ride if it has been accepted or rejected. If accepted, you will be provided with the estimated departure and arrival time for your trip.  Book early to get the ride you want.

You will receive confirmation of your complete trip details 30 minutes in advance of your trip. The confirmation will include your pick-up time. Be ready at your pick-up stop at least five minutes before your pick-up time to ensure a smooth ride.

I don’t have an email address. How can I use the service?

Rides can be booked by calling the Customer Service line at 613-631-1766. 

Is there a monthly pass?
Currently, we do not offer a monthly pass. A 5-ticket ($25) and 10-ticket ($50) bundle will be available for purchase through the app or by calling Customer Service. Throughout the course of the three-year pilot, the City will review options to add a monthly pass.

Can I purchase bulk tickets?

Community groups and institutions are permitted to purchase tickets in bulk. Any interested party wishing to purchase shall contact the City’s Transit Liaison for pre-approval. Applicants must fill out a form that provides sufficient evidence that they operate within the City of Pembroke and intend to offer the tickets to their constituents on a free or non-profit basis.

Can I bring shopping bags or boxes on board?

You may travel with bags, parcel, laptops, or other items on the trip. There is a bag limit in place so that we can offer everyone a comfortable shared journey with adequate space. Please ensure each shopping bag weighs less than 10 pounds.

Our vehicles cannot accommodate big-boxed items. Small boxes that are similar in size to shopping bags are fine. The same 10-pound maximum weight applies.

The total number of bags or small boxes cannot exceed four items.

Can I bring a wheelchair on board?

The Pembroke and Laurentian Valley Handi-bus service offers door-to-door pickup and drop off transit service and are the typical transit service used for riders in wheelchairs.  For more information on the Handi-bus, call 613-735-6998.

Keep in mind, ORTC operates on a stop-to-stop model, with the expectation that riders will travel up to 400m or about 5 minutes to/from their designated stop to their origin/destination

ORTC vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible. There are two wheelchair spots on each bus. If you are travelling with an attendant, they ride free. The two services may coordinate with each other as needed, but start by calling the Handi-bus service to ensure you receive the right level of service for your needs. Handi-bus drivers are trained in first aid and CPR.

Can I bring a stroller on board?

You can bring your child in a stroller onto an ORTC vehicle. A child can remain in their stroller if the wheelchair space is available, otherwise the child must be removed from their stroller and please ensure the stroller does not obstruct passage of other riders.
Can I bring my pet on board?

All ORTC customers are allowed to board with small pets. Here are the rules to follow when boarding the bus with your pet:

  • Your pet must be secured in a pet carrier at all times
  • When seated, pet carriers must be carried on the customers’ laps
  • Pet carriers must not be placed on seats or on top of any wheel well housing
  • Pet carriers must not be placed within aisles so as not to impede customer flow through the vehicle
Service animals used by persons with disabilities are welcome on board all ORTC vehicles.

Is my child allowed to ride on their own?

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to ride the bus alone and must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver aged 12 years or older. Children under the age of 12 will ride for free with a paying caregiver.

What is ORTC’s Cancellation and No-Show Policy?

A trip is considered a "late cancellation" if it is cancelled less than 15 minutes before the start of the scheduled pickup window.

A rider is considered a "no-show" if they are not at the designated virtual stop and ready to board within one minute of when the vehicle arrives during pre-determined pick-up window.

A progressive, educational approach will be used to manage service misuse. Upon three incidents of "no-show", the rider’s account will be automatically flagged and booking privileges will be temporarily suspended.

Can the driver wait for me?

Upon arrival at the pickup location during the pre-determined 10-minute pick-up window, drivers will wait a standard of one minute. For example, if your pre-determined 10-minute pick-up window is 9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m., and the driver arrives at 9:05 a.m., the driver will wait until 9:06 a.m.

If a driver arrives at the pickup location prior to the beginning of the 10-minute pick-up window, they will wait until the opening of the window and the additional one minute. For example, if your pre-determined 10-minute pick-up window is 9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m., the driver arrives at 8:59 a.m., the driver will wait until 9:01 a.m.

What happens if I have a late cancellation or no-show?

A progressive, educational approach will be used to manage service misuse. The Blaise Transit technology platform will automate the tracking and initial communications for this policy.

  • First and Second Incidents (within a 90-day period): The system will log the incidents. After the second incident, an automated educational warning will be sent to the rider explaining the negative impact of no-shows and late cancellations on service for the entire community.
  • Third Incident (within a 90-day period): The rider’s account will be automatically flagged and booking privileges will be temporarily suspended.
  • Account Review and Suspension:
    • Suspended accounts will be placed in a queue for manual review by designated City of Pembroke staff.
    • Following review, a 30-day suspension may be applied.
For chronic issues beyond the first suspension, staff may implement longer suspension periods.

What if my rides are booked through a third-party?

The same rules apply to all trips, including those booked on behalf of riders by partners.

Policy communications (warnings, suspension notices) for these trips will be directed to the partner organization, who will be responsible for managing the issue with their client. This will be formalized in the agreements between these partners and the City of Pembroke.

Can I appeal my suspension?

A simple appeals process will be available. Riders who feel they have been suspended unfairly may appeal by contacting ORTC customer service via email or phone for a secondary review.

How can I provide my feedback?
We’d love to hear your feedback about the service. Feedback can be shared directly in the app at the end of a ride, through the Contact Us tab on this page, or by calling the Customer Service line at 613-631-1766. 

 

 

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