Transfers were okay on a good network with decent frequency. 30 min is now typical time between trips. Transfers don't work well with that kind of infrequent service. Ottawa also hasn't spend money on stops where many people wait.

Hmm, I'm about to embark on a planned take of Skytrain to connect to an every 30 minute DD route... actually, I did likewise a little more than 10 years ago, but for an every 8 minute frequent route. When it's possible to time the train to the bus you take, it works, but Ottawa's so many late buses.