Enhanced transit better for everyone

We need enhanced public transit in Regina. Currently, COVID -19 has shown us the many problems society experiences and exacerbates them. Are we going to learn from this life lesson?

I fear that once the restrictions are lifted, people will forget and life will continue as it had before, stumbling along with its many inequities. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Premier Scott Moe announced he is relaxing the restrictions for the COVID -19 pandemic. It has become a concern that employees such as cashiers at grocery stores, who are essential, are going to be transported in close quarters with other passengers on buses.

This does not bode well for social distancing. We need more buses with fewer passengers on each in the foreseeable future.

More buses and better public bus service in Regina will not only prevent COVID 19 from spreading, it will prevent air pollution too by taking more cars off the road.

The Global Burden of Disease study estimates that 3.4 million premature deaths were attributed to outdoor air pollution in 2017.

There is also growing evidence that long-term exposure to air pollution can have important impacts on other aspects of health and well-being such as cognitive function.

A good, strong public bus system will result in a better and healthier society, and limit the deadly health impacts of COVID -19 and air pollution.

If the city creates savings with public transit, then the lives of many in this city will be very negatively impacted. Regina citizens, especially those who have a lower income, deserve a quality service that protects our health. It would benefit everyone.

In this springtime of renewal, let’s focus on learning and growing and helping our fellow citizens whoever they may be, to experience a “new normal” which includes using public transit in Regina in a better way. Terri Sleeva, Regina Sleeva is chairperson for the Regina Citizens Public Transit Coalition.