Does City Hall Take Ottawans For Stupid?

Does Ottawa City Hall think Ottawans are stupid?

Question 1. Are they really that stupid?
Question 2. Do they really think we’re that stupid?

Rhetorical questions, of course. We all know the answers.

This was, as many have pointed out, the classic bait-and-switch. Open with something you don’t expect to get while holding in your pocket the offer you’re really coming to the table with. That would have been one thing if, while still quite unacceptably high, they had started with 30 per cent and then dropped it to 15 per cent. It would also have been different if the proposed hike or their settling point was at least on the same page as the increases proposed for other classes of passengers.

They’re running around saying that the increase for seniors is now 60 per cent and trying to keep the focus on the pass but that’s not the true picture. The current single fare rate includes no charge for travel on Wednesdays and Sundays. They are removing the Sundays which means that seniors will have to pay full fare to travel on Sundays. To go to church or to visit family on Sunday will now cost them $3.20 each way which, for 4 return trips over a month, is $25.60.

Considering that transit service on Sunday is already cut back, many people can’t get more than one thing done on just one return fare, of course, and might end up paying a third fare to finish their activities. Many seniors who can’t otherwise get out much use the Sunday discount to get out once a week for things like church, social calls and shopping. At that price, some of them will have to cut out or severely limit such activities. Do we really want more isolated seniors when we know the health effects of isolation?

The 2025 fare increases must be presented in relation to the existing 2024 fares, not some mythical proposal that was their opening bid. Someone boarding a bus in January is going to pay more than they paid in December whether for a pass or a single fare. The difference between those two fares is the increase from one year to the next. It’s fairly simple math and well within the capabilities of the bus-riding public and most other Ottawa residents to comprehend. Unfortunately the mayor and his cronies on the transit commission don’t appear able to grasp it.

I almost wish I was running a municipal campaign for a mayoralty or council candidate in 2026. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe & Co. are doing a beautiful job of drafting campaign materials for other candidates. It’s like they’re running against their future selves.

I do hope that every senior as well as anyone related to a senior or who knows a senior approaches the mayor and councillors whenever they encounter them, grasps them firmly by the hand and introduces themselves saying “I’m Mary Smith. I’m concerned about seniors’ issues and I vote.” You can keep doing that until October 2026 or when the elected person withdraws from running in the next election.

Can we find a cute five-year-old who could go up to Sutcliffe in public and ask him why he doesn’t want her granny to be able to come visit her anymore? It would be fascinating to hear his response.

The Voter is a respected community activist and long-time Bulldog commenter who prefers to keep her identity private.

For You:

Substantial Completion But No LRT Start Date

Senior Transit Pass: Way Too Much: MULVIHILL

Somewhere Diane Deans Is Smiling: QUOTABLE

Transpo Flying Blind On Ridership: THE VOTER

Don’t Muss With Students On Fares: MULVIHILL

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