Council asks for further tweaking of transit
Council members have again asked administrators to tweak the new transit system, voting 9-0 Tuesday asking staff to smooth disruptions and possibly present a budget amendment “if needed” to make it happen.
That follows a similar motion in August and weeks of bad publicity about rerouting that debuted Tuesday.
Councillor Julie Friesen made the new motion, arguing that cutting weekend service from all but two main routes left many in a lurch and that a recent provision for pickup service to qualifying lowincome residents might leave others out of luck.
“I appreciated the option of Fair Entry (reduced and discount services program) and the difference it will make,” said Friesen. “My concern is people who are between the folks who can afford a car and those who qualify for Fair Entry. I think that could be a big group.
“They still need public transportation as an important part of their lives.”
Some councillors cited concerns about low-wage workers getting to and from jobs. Coun. Les Pearson said routing needs to take lowincome housing and senior complexes into account. Most said cost savings are needed. Mayor Ted Clugston however, voted for a motion opening the door to scaling back an estimated $650,000 cost saving, but later said the problem is “massively complex.”
“I don’t know if there’s a win in this situation,” said Clugston after the meeting. “We have 2 per cent of the people who are transit riders and 98 per cent asking why we’re subsidizing 80 per cent of the cost ... But some of our most vulnerable citizens are stuck on the weekends. That’s not fallen on deaf ears.”
Friesen stated that she’s not advocating abandoning the changes wholesale. Top administrators said last month that $500,000 in savings comes from shutting down weekend service to all but two central highvolume routes.
Coun. Jamie McIntosh said that isolates some areas from Friday afternoon to Monday morning.
“We’re punishing people in the community based on where they live,” he said.
Coun. Robert Dumanowski implored riders to discuss their personal situation with workers on a transit help line for route suggestions. He said improvements can be made but cost savings are required.
“You can’t have it both ways; you can’t have cost reductions without changes,” he said. “In this case it’s not perfect but we can get it there.”
Coun. Jim Turner said he’s heard from those in favour of cost containment but major businesses operate on nights and weekends.
“I’ve heard real concern from a lot of folks who need to get to work,” said Coun. Celina Symmonds. “Taking the bus is not a choice for these people; it’s the only option.”
Coun. Bill Cocks said changes may be needed but should not be rushed.
“My concern is that we’re looking at major changes before we’ve even had a trial run based on some negative public opinion,” said Cocks. “We have to remember here we’re two prongs behind (the changes): Transit is poorly used and costly.”
Coun. Brian Varga said “(Transit) is a necessity in our community that we need to get right but let’s not be afraid to tweak it.”
Friesen, the public services committee chair, asked staff in August to consider options for expanding service. That resulted in door-to-door service for some low-income residents in certain areas if they qualified for a reduced entry program to city facilities.
Friesen said that could put a strain on the special transit budget, which typically serves those with mobility issues.