For Immediate Release
November 26, 2024
Danial Leduc
d.leduc@coaottawa.ca
613-789-3577 ext.
The Council on Aging of Ottawa Calls on the City to Maintain Affordable and Accessible Transit for All Ages
OTTAWA – The Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA) is calling on the City of Ottawa to show leadership for and with older adults and maintain affordable and accessible transit for all ages in Ottawa.
Despite reconsidering the 120.4% fare for senior monthly passes, the COA is very concerned the transit budget shortfalls is being transferred to seniors, persons with disabilities, youth, and university students.
According to the motion passed to amend the Transit Budget, the new 42% discount means seniors monthly pass will increase from $49 to $78.50, and for those seniors who qualify for the EquiPass, the pass will increase from $49 or $58.25. Yet, the single-ride fares for seniors (65+), Para Transpo discounted fares with Access pass, and the Para Transpo Rural Fare will increase 10. 3%, 5.9% and 4.9% respectively were passed with no notice or debate by Transit Commission members. Why are these fares being treated differently? Why are more barriers being placed on seniors and person with disabilities to access lower transit fares?
The Transit Commission missed the opportunity to hold the line and negotiate in good faith with transit users, including seniors and Para Transpo riders, especially for those who don’t have other transit choices nor the income to support the increased fares.
“While we understand the budgetary challenges faced by the City, we are still not happy with the decision of the Transit Commission. The decision to significantly increase for the Senior Monthly Pass whether or not you are low-income while adding an administrative burden to seniors who meet the criteria for the EquiPass for low-income riders before January 1,” said Trèva Cousineau, President. “We do not believe fare increase for seniors and Para Transpo riders aligns with the City’s equity and inclusion lens nor the City’s Term of Council Priorities to be ‘a city that is more connected with reliable, safe and accessible mobility options.’” At the Transit Commission meeting, Councillor Kavanagh raised the issue of preparing Councillor’s office staff and other services providers who support seniors and persons with disabilities to communicate this decision. /more
“We heard from seniors and persons with disabilities, and they do not agree with a transit fare increase either. After the City Budget was tabled on November 13, we acted and released a bilingual survey to understand the financial and social impact of the increase of bus fares,” says Raynald Marchand, Co-Chair of the Ottawa Seniors Transportation Committee. “The top four impacts cited by respondents were:
- Strain on my budget
- Reduced number of outings for
- social purposes
- errands (such as groceries, drug store, shopping)
- physical activities.”
Yet, all is not lost; there is still a window to reduce the fares for seniors and Para Transpo users. Councillor Brockington motion on behalf of Councillor Bradley was tabled to the Council of the Whole on December 11 for consideration. The motion recommends the senior monthly pass fare be set at par with EquiPass (from the amended $78.50 to $58.25) without having to prove you are living on a low-income. Contact your City Councillor to ask if they will support this further discount at the City Councillor Budget discussions on December 11.
The COA will continue to advocate for senior OC Transpo and Para Transpo users. We welcome engaging with City staff and Councillors to resolve the way older transit riders are treated during the 2025 City Budget and beyond.
About The Council on Aging of Ottawa (COA): As a bilingual and inclusive Council, our mission is to advance the wellbeing of Ottawa’s older adults. Our Vision is respected, informed, and engaged older adults living in an age-friendly city. We bring together partners to enable us to undertake quality strategic thinking on older adult issues; advocate for and with older adults making clear recommendations and sharing the results with community decision makers; develop and deliver branded older adult educational programs; and keep older adults informed.
