OC Transpo is considering changing its routes and adding more double-decker busses.OC Transpo is considering changing its routes and adding more double-decker busses. (CBC)

Sweeping changes to Ottawa’s bus routes were proposed by the city's public transit authority Wednesday.

OC Transpo General Manager Alain Mercier said a series of route changes will help cut down on bus lines that have become "milk runs" with many stops. The transit authority's 40-foot buses will also be replaced by a fleet of new double-decker buses, which Mercier said will provide better service on express routes.

Mercier announced the proposed changes at a meeting of Ottawa's transit commission.

"We could make this work better by taking out some of the inefficiencies in the system, and that's what we're trying to do," Mercier said.

The City of Ottawa has earmarked $160 million for OC Transpo in its draft budget, money Mayor Jim Watson said should be spent on making the system more efficient for riders.

OC Transpo's total budget is set at $392 million, with $310 million in new capital authority.

Mercier said his proposal — which would eliminate or consolidate dozens of routes — would achieve the efficiency Watson wants, and wouldn't be noticed by more bus users during peak times of the day.

Transit commission has mixed reaction to plans

Coun. Rainer Bloess (Innes Ward) said the changes could drive riders away from public transit.

"I have no problem with trying to eliminate duplication, to provide a more efficient service, but in the end you want to make sure that it provides the kind of service that our riders ask us for, and that they demand from us," Bloess said.

But Coun. Stephen Blais (Cumberland Ward) said it's efficiency riders are after.

"The people that I've spoken to would rather walk a little bit further, have a more reliable service that gets them to work quicker, than to have to pay a 10 to 15 per cent increase in their bus pass, or a five per cent increase in their property taxes," Blais said.

City councillors will be presented with more detailed plans at a meeting set for March 23, after the 2011 budget has been voted on.