An open letter to Whitehorse city council regarding Whitehorse Transit:
At the city council meeting on Feb. 3 four women representing different groups of transit users made presentations asking that the city work to make public transit more equitable and accessible.
I would like to add my voice as a senior. With the loss of the desire and/or the ability to drive especially during our long, dark, cold winters — seniors become dependent on public transit. Missed medical appointments, more isolation and less exercise has a toll on health and well-being.
Now the proposed budget includes an increase to bus fares for all users! So what I would like to know is will the fare increase help sustain free transit for those in need while also providing more reliable and frequent buses?
The transit survey conducted a couple of years ago as part of the Whitehorse free-fare study indicated this is what riders really want. It seems to me that if the increase in bus fares does not create better transit service it will result in a decrease rather than an increase in riders. The study suggested five options for Whitehorse Transit along with follow-up steps. Have any of those options been considered? Has there been any follow-up?
On page 62 the study states:
“This report will feed into the first three years pilot of free fares and inform future decisions on fare and service changes for Whitehorse Transit.” Was this a useless exercise at taxpayers’ expense?
That same study suggested the city might be eligible for at least two federal pots of money: the Rural Transit Solutions Fund and the New Foundations for Public Transport. Has the city investigated those or other possible sources of funding for transit improvements before raising bus fares?
Final question: At the meeting on Feb. 3, a Whitehorse high school student challenged you to leave your cars at home and ride the bus for a week. I wonder if any of the city councillors have taken up the challenge?
Thank you.
Julie Frisch,
Whitehorse
