It appears that the Ottawa City Council may approve extending “free” transit, for ALL USERS, until the end of February. Capital Ward Councillor Clive Doucet introduced the motion to extend the “free” service and the motion was carried at City Council’s Transit Commitee meeting on Monday February 9th, 2009.
That travel on OC Transpo be provided at no charge for the month of February to all users. (Motion 1: Ottawa City Council, Transit Committee, 09-Feb-09)
With regards to monthly pass holders who have received refunds for their December pass, a motion was carried in the same meeting, which allowed those who received refunds, to buy-back their December passes (with receipt) to take advantage of the free service until March 31st.
That residents who received refunds for their December bus passes be given the opportunity (with receipts) to buy back their December pass for use under the new rules. (Motion 2: Ottawa City Council, Transit Committee, 09-Feb-09)
More info to come following the February 11th Council Meeting at 10AM
Reference
http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/tc/2009/02-09/disposition28.htm
This motion must be approved by City Council (i.e. at Wednesday’s meeting) before it takes effect. The distribution of councillors on Transit Committee is not reflective of Council as a whole; free transit until the end of February is not a slam-dunk–particularly with some suburban and rural service not being available until April and May, respectively (according to current forecasts; most likely sooner)
Wouldn’t the lack of suburban service reinforce the reason why they should have it free? If commuters are forced to drive closer into town to the closest park-n-ride, why should they pay full fare?
This is the least City Council should do, I can’t believe the lack of suburban service (brought on by City Council), is the excuse they will use to not extend the free service. This council is ridiculous.
Clive Doucet for Mayor!