Meet The O-Buskers Program
OC Transpo has partnered with the City of Ottawa’s #ottmusic program to bring approved musicians right into transit stations, and the results have turned ordinary commutes into something a lot more melodic. The program launched on July 20, 2026, and grew out of the popularity of one-off events like Envirocentre’s Tunes & Tracks, which proved there was appetite for a permanent stage built right into the transit system.
Around 50 acts are currently registered, spanning genres from rock to acoustic to fiddle, with performances in both English and French. Because buskers sign up around their own schedules, some days you might hit three stations and hear three completely different sounds, and other days none at all.
Where To Catch A Show
There are 13 busking zones spread across 12 O-Train Line 1 stations, covering every stop except Cyrville. OC Transpo has its sights set on expanding into Transitway locations and O-Train Line 2 stations for the next season, so the soundtrack could soon travel further across the city.
Each zone is open daily, with buskers able to book performance slots from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Tips are welcome but never expected, so feel free to just enjoy the show.
The Barrow Gang Brings The Party
One of the acts already turning heads is The Barrow Gang, a four to five piece acoustic group known for high-energy, toe-tapping retro rock and roll. They describe their mission simply as turning an ordinary space into an impromptu celebration, and they’re not shy about inviting commuters to sing along or clap.
The group says station performances offer something special: a chance to busk year-round regardless of weather, plus the fun of catching people completely off guard. One recent highlight involved a fellow musician who happened to walk through the station mid-set, stopped to dance and take photos, and stuck around for a hug afterward.
Sydney Smith’s Soulful Sound
Also on rotation is Sydney Smith, a Christian singer-songwriter whose sound blends country, soul, and folk into acoustic performances built around guitar and voice. Smith has been performing for decades, tracing the busking bug back to seeing a street performer in Ottawa years ago and being struck by the sheer boldness of it.
Smith hopes riders walk away feeling uplifted and a little more connected to the people around them. One memorable moment involved a commuter named Ari, who paused her trip home for a full 30 minutes just to listen.
Keep An Ear Out
Whether you’re rushing to catch a train or killing time between transfers, it’s worth pausing for a minute the next time you hear music drifting through a station. With performers rotating through all day, every ride carries the chance of a small, unexpected concert built right into your commute.
