Transit riders say more bus service needed to fix crowding, not privatization
August 18 2020 (Toronto, ON) - Transit advocacy organization TTCriders says that Premier Ford’s plan to impose service cuts and transit privatization is a recipe for crowding and higher fares.
“Premier Ford should not be cutting bus service during a pandemic. We need more bus service to fix crowding on our buses, so riders can be physically distant,” said Austin Jafri, a TTCriders member based in Scarborough. “That’s why Premier Ford must provide permanent provincial operating funding without conditions.”
The provincial government will require the TTC to review “low-performing” bus routes and discuss fare integration and “new possible governance structures,” to be eligible for the second phase of provincial and federal funding. Up to $2 billion is available to local transit systems in Ontario, split between the federal and provincial governments. The TTC will soon receive Phase 1 funds: $400 million in emergency funding from the provincial and federal governments. The second phase is set to flow after March 2021.
“The most pressing need of Ontario transit agencies is operating funding, not taking away local control,” said Randy Barba of the South Etobicoke Transit Action Committee. “Premier Ford should provide more operating funding to achieve fare integration. A fare-by-distance scheme will hurt transit riders in Etobicoke and Scarborough.”
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Safe Restart Agreement letter from Minister Caroline Mulroney: https://www.scribd.com/document/472840262/Safe-Restart-Agreement-Letter-from-Minister-Mulroney-Aug-12-2020