The Barrhaven-Kanata Transit Coalition is pushing for a direct route that will reach two of Ottawa’s fastest growing communities, which could benefit Algonquin students coming from Kanata and Nepean south.

According to John Palmer, spokesperson for the Barrhaven-Kanata Transit Coalition, OC Transpo does not see the need for a direct route connecting Kanata and Barrhaven, even though many students from Kanata must transfer two or three buses in order to get to school.

“It’s very difficult, especially in weather like this,” said Palmer.

The proposed route would follow the same path as the 406 bus which only runs to bring people to Ottawa Senators hockey games at Scotiabank Place.

Palmer said he has spoken with students at Algonquin who have expressed their support for this route. It’s just a matter of time before it is introduced due to the growing support, said Palmer. However, there seems to be some opposition from OC Transpo.

“We’ve been given the cold shoulder by OC Transpo, not sure why,” said Palmer.

Eric Collard, media relations officer for OC Transpo, wrote in an e-mail on Jan. 29, that the route connecting Barrhaven and Kanata would only benefit people from certain parts of these areas.

Collard also wrote that the ridership for this bus will be less than people coming from central parts of Ottawa and therefore the proposed route would come less frequent than the existing 95 and 96 routes.

Alex Cullen, councillor for the Bay Ward and chair member of the transit committee, wrote in an e-mail on Jan. 29, that the proposed route is a good idea and there is an increasing demand for it.

“I believe it is simply a question of when, not if,” wrote Cullen.

Palmer encouraged students who are interested in voicing their concerns about the public transportation to call or e-mail city councillors along with OC Transpo.

Palmer said that if the councillors see there are enough people interested in this proposition they will experiment with it. He also said OC Transpo doesn’t believe enough people are interested in this proposed route, but argued it makes sense to have Barrhaven and Kanata linked, in a way that benefits students and the college.

According to the Barrhaven-Kanata Transit Coalition Website, the proposed bus coming from Barrhaven would stop at: Marketplace (Barrhaven), Fallowfield, Baseline, Woodroffe stations and end at Scotiabank Place with a travel time of 40 minutes.

The route coming from Kanata would stop at: Scotiabank Place and Queensway, Baseline and Fallowfield stations and end at Marketplace with a total travel time of 38 minutes.

The coalition would like to have this proposed bus route run every 15 to 20 minutes like all regular 90-series bus routes.