Last bus from the Hippodrome Park-and-Ride: January 15

The well-used Hippodrome Park-and-Ride of 300 spaces will close on January 16, announced the STO, December 19.

“The bus stop will be relocated to the corner of Aylmer Road and Hippodrome Avenue. All routes, including bus routes in the 40 series will serve this stop again as of that date,” the STO told the pubic.

The Hippodrome Park-and-Ride on Aylmer Road was never intended to be permanent. The Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO) rents the space from Bouladier Construction, currently building the Connaught Quarter.

Many residents of the Connaught neighbourhood, near the Aylmer Road park-and-rides, are eager for bus routes in the 40 series to resume.

Maxime Ricard, speaking for the Connaught Residents Association, told the Bulletin that the STO had set up an exclusion zone around both Aylmer Road Park-and-Rides following the service changes in Aylmer this summer, and that the service would only be reinstated following the closure of the Hippodrome Park-and-Ride.

This exclusion zone had consequences for nearby residents who were used to catching any eastbound bus, but now are limited to the 59 and the 41 routes. Riders have complained these buses are full, making the wait time intolerable.

The Hippodrome’s closure will satisfy some residents, but will force other bus riders to change their habits. Those who used to park at the Hippodrome and hop on a bus, will either grab a bus closer to their home, try to find a spot at the already-busy Rivermead Park-and-Ride or try the Galeries Aylmer.

The Rivermead lot has 507 spaces, often full, forcing drivers to park on nearby streets to the displeasure of residents.

Following complaints, council this fall modified parking regulations on Voltaire Street to limit street parking. Moreover, although there were plans to expand the Rivermead lot, the STO nixed them in favour of modifying the service in Aylmer.

With the new service, the STO is encouraging riders to take a local bus route or head to the Galeries Aylmer, the STO’s new hub in Aylmer. Some residents who live east of the Galeries Aylmer have complained it seems illogical to drive westbound to take an eastbound bus.

The STO is also encouraging users to use the Allumettières Park-and-Ride at Eardley Road. This Park-and-Ride of 119 spaces is much smaller than Rivermead.