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The largest groups of commuters are usually picked up off Merrickville’s main street and from the outskirts of Kemptville. They are dropped off in Ottawa anywhere from the Woodroffe OC Transpo bus stop to the downtown core.

Brown then does the route home at 6 p.m.

One commuter, Andrew Mozier, says he sees the irony in riding a yellow school bus again.

“It feels like I’m back in high school,” he said with a laugh.

But Mozier continues to ride the bus five days a week from his home in Merrickville to his job downtown because it is an affordable option — $10 in each direction — and eliminates stress.

“Someone else does the driving,” he said. “If I was driving, it’s probably going to cost me twice as much.”

Photo by Julie Oliver / Postmedia

The bus has run the route for approximately 40 years, started by Seeley’s C Bus Lines before being taken over by Howard Bus Service. Brown has been in charge of the route for the past 20 years.

On Dec. 20, though, the 25-30 commuters using the bus will need to find a new way to get to work.

Brown has been experiencing health issues he can’t ignore, and Howard says the route will no longer be continued.

This is sad news for the regular commuters, as many of them have become accustomed to Brown’s outgoing personality and dedication to the job.

“Ron, he’s amazing. He comes through even in the worst weather,” said George Yap, who has ridden the bus for around 20 years. “The guy is like Mr. Reliable.”

Brown has continued to drive, despite his health issues, for a number of months because of the people who rely on his service.