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The survey asked staff what factors would increase the likelihood of them using the trial bus service. In addition, it asked for input on whether staff would use such bus routes if they were set up permanently.

The online voluntary survey, which opened Nov. 27 and closed Wednesday, received more than 3,600 responses. A report on the survey is expected by mid-January.

The bus route catchment areas would include east and west-end Ottawa, Gatineau as well as Greely and Barrhaven, according to the survey.

Canadian Forces spokesman Maj. Mario Couture said Wednesday that it is too early to say when the trial routes will be established.

The Carling Avenue headquarters only has parking for about half of the 9,300 employees who will eventually work there by the end of 2020. As a short-term solution, DND is negotiating leasing agreements for various parking lots in the vicinity. The DND has also held lotteries for employees who want to try to win a parking spot.

The online survey was open to the approximately 8,000 staff currently working at National Defence Headquarters Carling. It also asked for details about how staff get to the headquarters, how long it takes for them to commute, the frequency they work from home, their level of satisfaction on the method they use to get to work, and whether they were aware of an online website to find carpool partners.

The federal government spent $800 million on acquiring and outfitting the former Nortel complex for the DND’s needs. It has argued that it will see substantial savings from consolidating many of the department’s employees into one site.