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OC Transpo - Transit in transition

 
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kevlaf983



Age: 41
Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 99
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada

PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:48 pm    Post subject: OC Transpo - Transit in transition Reply with quote

Quote:

Transit in transition
Province pumps $27 million into city's public bus fleet

By KENNETH JACKSON, SUN MEDIA

On the same day the provincial government gave the city more than $27 million in public transit funding, Mayor Larry O'Brien said city council will debate whether to seize control of OC Transpo or create a transit commission this summer.

O'Brien's comments came aboard a city bus at Lincoln Fields transit station on Carling Ave. yesterday morning, flanked by Liberal MPP and Municpal Affairs Minister Jim Watson.

Watson announced that just over $27 million promised last fall will be available by March 31 to buy new buses, provide upgrades, purchase security equipment and other capital investments.

UP FOR DEBATE

O'Brien told reporters this summer's debate will focus on why Ottawa hasn't followed the model of other large municipalities, including Toronto, by establishing a transit commission to operate its system.

Currently, Ottawa has a director of transit services who oversees OC Tranpso (the operational side of the transit system) and another director who manages fleet services (buses).

River Coun. Maria McRae, chairwoman of the city's transportation committee, said it's logical that either one person or a commission oversees both branches because they go hand-in-hand.

McRae told the Sun she's leaning towards a transit commission and reminded a reporter she's being saying this for months.

It seems now people are listening and, in May, O'Brien's own transit task force is to release a report on transit governance.

"I am 100% behind looking into this ... looking for the most cost-effective way to deliver one of the most important city services in the most reliable and most efficient way," McRae said.

LESS SERVICE

Earlier this week, transit officials acknowledged service levels have dropped because there aren't enough operable buses on the road.

If the city used all the money announced yesterday to purchase new buses, it could buy more than 50.

Service isn't expected to return to normal until April, which prompted McRae to threaten council could seize control of OC Transpo unless transit officials get their act together.

Meanwhile, O'Brien downplayed the fact the new funding won't fix OC Transpo's immediate woes, which frustrate rush-hour commuters who wait longer for buses.

"The money that we're seeing today is certainly going to put us in a situation to make sure that we have the appropriate number of buses available when they're needed and that is very good news for the city of Ottawa," he said.


I'm in 100% support for a commission.
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