In an unprecedented move, Ottawa’s City Council spearheaded by Mayor Larry O’Brien has rolled-back its, already announced, incentive programs leaving riders frustrated and confused. Those hurt the most will be the December bus-pass holders. Here is a run down of the incentives that has been reduced:
- Regular December Pass Holders was supposed to receive service until end-of-March
- This has been changed to end-of-Feb; March pass will now cost 40% of regular price
- Eco-Pass Holders was supposed to have a stoppage of pay-roll deductions until the end-of-April
- Payroll deduction will now continue as planned
- Express December Pass holders was supposed to receive service until the end-of-April
- This is unclear, but it looks like it will be rolled back to end-of-February or March; Discounts until the end of May (TBA)
While the public fall-out to this decision remains unclear, the city will continue to debate the matter. For downtown riders who plan on cycling or walking as temperatures begin to increase, my suggestion is to get a refund on the Regular December pass before Feb 15th. With the uncertainty in City Council, theirs no point taking the chance of having a worthless December pass, given that March is no longer covered. In addition, weekends will continue to be free in February, while weekday fares are expected to be 50% off for the rest of the month.
The real bastards of the Ottawa transit strike are starting to show their true colours.
I’ve spoken to several OC Transpo drivers about this, they are just as disappointed as Riders. Obviously the cities decision will impact drivers as well. Most drivers have been extra friendly lately, and this isn’t going to help Driver-Rider relations one bit.
Surprisingly their are many riders out their that see the City, OC Transpo and the Drivers as one in the same…