Jam-packed park-and-ride leaving commuters in the lurch

Gatineaucommuters say they're finding it increasingly difficult to find a spot at a popular park-and-ride in the city's west end.

Rivermeadpark-and-ride on chemin d'Aylmer has more than 500 spaces, but userssay they fill up early in the morning, leaving many scramblingto park elsewhere.

"It is really busy," said Anne Champagne inFrench. "We have noticed for the past few weeks that people are parking on the sidewalk."

Some commuters said the problem is only getting worse.

"It's a little more problematic this year," said Christine Plamondon, also in French."If I arrive later than 8 or 8:15 a.m., I can't find a space."

Commuters frustrated by packed STO park-and-ride

7 years ago

Duration 0:41

Transit users say if they don't arrive by 8 a.m., they're at risk of not getting a spot at the Rivermead Park-and-Ride on Chemin d'Aylmer.

Ridership up, STO says

One reason may be that more commuters are using public transit.

Patrick Leclerc, director of development, marketing and communications with theSocit de transport de l'Outaouais(STO), said the transit agency hasseen real growth in ridership this year a six per cent increase betweenJanuary and July that's prompted the addition of11 buses in Aylmer alone.

"That is a great problem to have, but it brings some operational challenges that we need to adapt to and find solutions," Leclerc said.

Still, STOdoesn't believe the Rivermead lot is ever full: Leclercsaid when it was checked during a recent rush hour, there were still spots available.

Leclerc said there are no plans to expand the park-and-ride lot, and pointed toother lots at Galeries Aylmer and boulevard des Allumettires.

He said September is always a period of adjustment, when commuters establish new routines as they return toschool and work.

"It is something that we see every year at this time of the year, so we are assessing the situation in September and we will make the necessary changes in October," he said.