Dozens of OC Transpo express routes have new numbers

OC Transpo fares are set to change in the new year, but commuters heading back to work today after the Christmas break may be noticing another difference: the number of their express bus.

Almost 40 express routes not only have new numbers, but a new name, too. They willnow be known as "Connexion" routes, because when the Confederation Line opens in 2018, these routes will connect to an LRT station instead of taking passengers directly downtown.

The new route numbersofficially came into effect on Dec. 25, but the Wednesday morning rush hour will likelybe the first time most commuters noticethe change.

• Check to seewhat the new number is for your express route

The new "Connexion"routes will still be operating as express routes until mid-2018, but as ofJan. 1, there will be no more express fares.

Instead, there will be only a single adult fare under a new, simplified systemthat will see express monthly passes decrease by almost $17while regular adult passes will rise $8.