Hello, my name is Emma and I'm reaching out to bring attention to an issue affecting many residents of Sault Ste. Marie, including myself and my friends.

By June 7th, there will be changes to our local bus routes that will cause significant inconveniences for people who use public transit. My daily commute will become a challenge as this new system leads to increased travel time. Similarly, my best friend relies on the current bus route to get to her workplace, but now her new commute will expand to an exhausting one and a half hours each way. This not only affects our daily lives by reducing the time we have for personal commitments but also adds unnecessary stress.

The changes have not only reduced the efficiency of getting across the city but have disproportionately affected those who are unable to drive or afford alternative transportation methods. For residents who rely solely on public transportation, especially for reaching far ends of the city, these changes are not merely inconvenient; they are unsustainable.

We understand that route changes may have been intended to improve service, but it's clear that they will have an adverse effect on those who need them most. We are asking the Sault Ste. Marie Transit Authority to reconsider this decision and revert the bus routes to their previous setup. 

According to the transit optimization study, an estimated 20% of Sault Ste. Marie residents rely on public transportation as their main mode of transit. It's crucial to acknowledge the impact this change has on thousands of citizens who depend on these services. 

We urge the Sault Ste. Marie Transit Authority to listen to the community's needs and prioritize changes that serve all residents fairly and efficiently.

Please sign this petition to support our cause and help restore the bus routes to better serve our community. Your support can make a significant difference.