Why not free transit service across the board from Dec 19 to Jan 5?

Not just for ticketholders for the World Juniors (who have to use a video call feature at ticket machines to bypass fare gates at Line 1 stations?)

This summarizes the results of the public comments on Bill 212. Read the last line and weep. Full text here: ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-9...

To help reach fare revenue targets, Ottawa’s transit budget for 2025 is counting on an increase in ridership from 73 million trips in 2024 to ~78 million trips in 2025.

That means OC Transpo needs 10,000 to 16,666 new people to choose transit for their regular commute in 2025.

Napkin math below

“the monthly cost of social housing is $613. This is starkly lower than $2,100 for a shelter bed, $4,300 for a correctional facility bed, $13,500 for a hospital bed. Housing people is not only a moral imperative but also an economically sound decision.” Kathy Moreland RN #onpoli

“Understanding the Drivers of Transit Construction Costs in Canada: A Comparative Study”

Lots of good stuff in this article.

Thanks to @taras-grescoe.com for sharing and authors @jedwin.bsky.social @chittimarco.bsky.social Balthazar Crane & Amer Shalaby

Specifically what elements did the community want to be consulted on here that’s causing so much uproar?

And what are the opponents proposing as an alternative?

More from today’s Ontario AG report:

“Unlike CTS sites, these Hubs will not provide some key harm-reduction services, such as supervised consumption or needle exchange, despite the fact that these services have been proven to prevent overdose deaths.”

www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/a...

Ontario Place redevelopment now estimated at $2.2-billion as Auditor-General notes ‘irregular’ bid process: The audit concludes that the process used to select Therme for the Ontario Place site was not ‘fair, transparent or accountable to all participants’ as required by the province’s own rules…

You don’t have to be a “cyclist” to support safe bike infrastructure in your city. You don’t have to ride bikes at all. You just have to understand the FACT that bike infrastructure makes getting around easier & safer for EVERYONE, saves us all public money, & makes cities generally more successful.

Ottawa transit funding question:

Where does the Ontario Dedicated Public Transit Fund fit into the Budget 2025 conversation?

This legislated funding (passed in 2013) brought Ottawa $30m+ in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Has the city already accounted for this funding and asking for $18m in addition?

This is an excellent documentary on transit woes in Ottawa, and I don't just say that because I'm in it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPaO...

"What we see here is a contest over what informs transportation and infrastructure policy: either that irritated feeling you get when you’re stuck in traffic, or actual data-driven evidence."

My first op-ed, with the wonderful @sarahelton.bsky.social!

Re: the current transit funding situation in #Ottawa and the case for other govts to help pay for its transit operations.

In 2024-25, the Toronto economic region will receive $196.49 per resident in transit operating subsidies from the province.

Ottawa? $31.91 per resident.

"We have a premier who is so focused on his vanity projects and fighting battles that he lost on Toronto city council, instead of actually focusing on the priorities of Ontarians.”

“People are really fed up with the fact that this premier is so obsessed with downtown Toronto."

Ottawa transit data nerds!

Any tips on accessing OC Transpo ridership data and info on pass sales?

I am finding the Transparency section of their website and what’s available on Open Ottawa rather wanting…

Newly joined after spending too much time scrolling in the dark place. Happy to be here!

Welcoming any follow recommends for:

- sustainable cities
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