Passengers could be stranded next week because of driver scheduling and bus maintenance problems at OC Transpo, a union official says. Passengers could be stranded next week because of driver scheduling and bus maintenance problems at OC Transpo, a union official says. (CBC)

Some Ottawa bus riders will be left stranded Tuesday, an official with the union representing OC Transpo drivers says, while the service's general manager disputes that claim.

According to Mike Aldrich, vice-president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279, a new system of scheduling drivers won't be able to cope with demand once students return to school.

He also said a third of the bus fleet is grounded for maintenance, so up to 50 routes could be delayed.

"There's a big problem with manpower at OC Transpo," he said. "A lot more trips are going to be missed.

"Whether they're school trips or express routes, I'm sure the service is not going to be the same."

But Alain Mercier, general manager of OC Transpo, rejected the claim that many buses are in the shop for maintenance. "All our bus fleet is in service," he said.

Mayor Larry O'Brien admitted there were significant delays in service this past week as French-language students returned to classes. He said OC Transpo has promised to get the scheduling right in the coming week.

Some passengers are annoyed and frustrated. "Unfortunately, I can't rely on the buses," one said.