Wow I'm so proud that we have reached 200 signatures! Thank you for your continued efforts in sharing!
I would like to take a moment to share my motivation for this petition.
The trigger - My partner and I take our young toddler to daycare on the bus. The bus cancellations meant that a 15 minute frequency became 30-45min, often without notice. We had to keep warm and keep a baby calm in -20deg weather for the next one. After that, we are late for work, losing valuable productivity hours and professional credibility. On the way home, we are often squeezed into a packed bus while moving at a snail's pace in downtown traffic. It' a lose-lose situation for both drivers and transit riders.
I have avoided the problem as long as I could by using uber, ride-share, or simply living close to work. Now with a little one, the decision matrix becomes that much more complex. Everyone will have moments in their lives when life circumstances affects their choices.
Even if you are in excellent health, has a perfect driving record, and a Toyota RAV 4, you still benefit from a city that offers choices of transportation. Such as going on an overseas flight, leaving your car at the mechanic, going downtown to have a drink.
How many of us used to take the bus to work but are no longer able to? How many of us would prefer to take the bus if the choice was given? We all benefit from a well connected city. That's why everyone is behind this crisis.
Instead we are tasked to figure out our commutes on our own. Can you imagine if the storm took down the power of an entire region, then the government tells you, oh well there is no electrician to fix it so just be patient for 6 months. In the meantime good luck buying an expensive generator yourself, learn how to use it, maintain it regularly and pay your own gas bills to keep it running.
Once again, we are asking the City Council to recognize bus as an essential service and respond to scale of the crisis. The goal is to get 500 signatures by the end of the week. Please consider sharing it in with your neighbors, colleagues, city councilor, and in your local community groups. Or consider pitching in a couple bucks to promote the petition! Transit is an Ottawa issue and we are all in this together.