[La version française suivra.]
WHEREAS a fare freeze would generate approximately 300,000 resident trips on average in 2024 and create new long-term ridership; and,
WHEREAS creating long term ridership has positive impacts for the service and will reduce traffic congestion, saving the city operational funds; and,
WHEREAS OC Transpo ridership levels have been stagnant or in decline for several years outside of COVID-19 lockdowns; and,
WHEREAS OC Transpo is proposing a reduction in bus service hours; and,
WHEREAS LRT continues to operate at a reduced capacity; and,
WHEREAS Ottawa transit riders should not continue to face fare hikes in the context of reduced and inadequate transit service; and,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Transit Commission recommends Council freeze transit fares in the 2024 budget through a 1% increase to the transit levy.