Two Canadian transit systems are making headlines this week. One in Ottawa, where technology is improving the rider experience, and another in Edmonton, where art and culture are taking centre stage.

OC Transpo Tests Real-Time Bus Info Screens

In Ottawa, OC Transpo has launched a one-year pilot project to make waiting for the bus a little easier. New solar-powered, real-time information screens have been installed at four major stops: Eagleson Park and Ride, Bank and Somerset, the Civic Hospital, and Bayshore Mall.

The e-ink displays provide live updates on approaching buses, including route numbers, destinations, and countdowns to arrival. Using GPS data already available in OC Transpo’s app and website, the screens are designed to help riders who may not have smartphones or data plans. They’re also easy to read day or night and update instantly if a route changes.

This pilot will test how the low-power displays handle Ottawa’s winter conditions and determine whether the program should be expanded citywide. Riders can share their feedback through an online survey or by scanning a QR code at the stops. If successful, these screens could eventually replace paper schedules, making transit information more accessible to everyone.

Indigenous Art Bus Unveiled in Edmonton

Meanwhile in Edmonton, transit is doubling as a moving canvas for culture and reconciliation. Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) has unveiled a bus wrapped in Indigenous artwork, created in partnership with the Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre.

The vibrant design, inspired by local Indigenous seniors, features sweetgrass, a campfire, the northern lights, and a teepee which are symbols of gathering, healing, and cultural strength. Inside the bus, riders can also learn about the services the seniors centre offers.

ETS says the project reflects the city’s commitment to reconciliation and to building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. The bus will be used on multiple routes across Edmonton, as well as for community charters, sharing not just passengers, but also stories and cultural teachings across the city.

From high-tech displays in Ottawa to community-driven artwork in Edmonton, these initiatives show how transit can do more than move people, it can connect communities, share stories, and make everyday journeys more meaningful.