Transit fare freeze isn’t fair to taxpayers

Re: OC Transpo, it’s time for fairer fares — and better service, Nov. 5.

Henry Paikin’s argument must appeal to those who use Ottawa’s public transit.

But is it fair to those taxpayers who already subsidize OC Transpo? Taxpayers cover about half the cost of OC Transpo.

They also contributed to LRT through their federal and provincial taxes. Since the biggest portion of those who use the system go to and from work, it is unreasonable for the rest of us to pay more.

Teething problems with LRT are no justification for a fare freeze. OC Transpo is not a private company.

A private company may be able to sustain the losses for a short period. Any freeze will inevitably set precedent for future fare freezes.

Finally, as a retiree, I do not want my city taxes to increase for something of minimal benefit to me. The proposed limit of a per cent property tax increase is already above current inflation levels.