If your daily commute sounds a little more like a concert this week, that’s by design. OC Transpo’s new O-Buskers program officially launched this week, bringing live performances by local musicians to O-Train Line 1 stations. The initiative aims to brighten commutes while giving Ottawa artists a new platform to share their music. Among the performers is singer-songwriter Clarissa Fortin, who performed at Bayview Station on Tuesday as commuters made their way to work. Fortin says it a new challenge to perform in an active transit hub. “I was learning to resist the urge to compete with the train when it comes in,” she said. “I want to match up with it or overpower it, but I know I can’t. So just letting it happen, letting the people come in and out.” Fortin is one of about 60 local musicians participating in the O-Buskers program. Approved performers volunteer their time and rotate through 12 designated performance spaces at stations along Line 1, performing seven days a week. The program was delayed for several years due to the pandemic and other transit issues. As a regular transit rider herself, Fortin understands that commuting can be one of the most stressful parts of a person’s day. “I definitely hope to be soothing. I hope to be calming,” she said. “I didn’t pick any angry songs. If people are stressed and they can’t stop to listen, then they won’t.” For some riders, the music is already having the intended effect. “It’s lovely,” one commuter said. “It’s a beautiful sound with the echo.” Mary Mena says the performance encouraged her to slow down. “It’s like I stopped to see the world around me a little bit,” she said. “Not be so centred on where I’m going. I think it helps with feeling better.” According to OC Transpo, the program is designed to create a more welcoming atmosphere throughout the transit system while celebrating Ottawa’s local music scene. The transit agency hopes to operate O-Buskers year-round, offering performances throughout the week at participating stations. “It’s fantastic,” another commuter said. “It’s great to have a little bit more community at the beginning of the day.” For Fortin, the unique venue is part of the appeal. “You never know who’s going to come through,” she said. “If I play a song that’s a little bit obscure, it might be a song that’s really special to somebody. I like the randomness of being a part of someone’s day, even for a little bit.”
