It is abundantly clear that transit riders are displeased with the level of service provided by OC Transpo since the LRT Confederation Line came into full operation. When issues and service interruptions have occurred, the lack of coinciding bus service to the downtown core left many frustrated riders out in the cold to find their own way to destinations.
This afternoon, Mayor Jim Watson and Transit Commission Chair, Allan Hubley, sent a joint email to City Manager, Steve Kanellakos, citing a need for a temporary fare freeze due to the “challenging and uncertain commutes over the last month”.
The Mayor and Hubley are “recommending to Transit Commission and Council a fare freeze from January to March, which is to be covered by the funds withheld from maintenance payments to RTG. We would ask that you take the necessary steps to secure the required funds”. Should service not be resolved to the City’s satisfaction, the City Manager has been asked to prepare an additional funding proposal to extend the fare freeze beyond the March 2020 date.
Mayor Watson and Hubley took the opportunity to indicate their appreciation for the feedback received from a number of Councillors and Transit Commissioners who provided the prudent request to put in place a temporary freeze as the transit issues are dealt with, while also “proposing a funding source that would not involve cutting other services. We are grateful for their input and suggestions”.
The next meeting of the Transit Commission takes place on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.