In the Ottawa mayoral election campaign, the focus has shifted to transit as Mark Sutcliffe unveils a new transit plan aimed at enhancing reliability and affordability. While Sutcliffe proposes reducing the cost of a monthly adult transit pass from $138.50 to $95, his opponents criticize the plan as either too cautious, risky, or overly optimistic.
Sutcliffe’s comprehensive plan, revealed on Monday, includes various affordability measures such as a $10 daily fare cap and a two-hour transfer window to prevent double charges for a single trip. He emphasized the plan’s goal of improving transit speed, reliability, affordability, cleanliness, safety, and accessibility during a media event at Terry Fox Station in Kanata.
Furthermore, Sutcliffe pledged to enhance bus service by reintroducing express routes, procuring 200 additional buses by 2030, and recruiting 250 new drivers and mechanics. He also committed to expediting the development of bus rapid transit corridors along Baseline and Blair roads, as well as in Orléans, Barrhaven, and Cumberland.
Additionally, Sutcliffe vowed to initiate efforts to secure federal and provincial funding for Stage 3 of the LRT to Kanata, Stittsville, and Barrhaven. He also outlined plans to enhance the transit system’s cleanliness and safety through the deployment of dedicated cleaning staff and additional special constables.
While Sutcliffe presented his transit plan, eastbound LRT trains experienced delays on Line 1 due to a stopped train during rush hour. Mayoral candidate Jeff Leiper criticized Sutcliffe’s fare reduction initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing a reliable transit service over cost reduction gimmicks.
Another mayoral candidate, Neil Saravanamuttoo, argued that Sutcliffe’s $95 promise does not go far enough, proposing $1 rides with a $40-per-month fare cap to address the current transit crisis. On the other hand, Leiper expressed openness to reasonable fare increases to ensure transit reliability.
Sutcliffe’s funding source for his proposed initiatives is contingent on a potential Metrolinx deal, which could free up $85 million annually for transit priorities if the province assumes responsibility for the LRT. Some challengers, including Alex Lawson, voiced skepticism about funding transit initiatives with uncertain funds.
Despite the criticism, Sutcliffe remains optimistic about the potential upload of the LRT to the province, citing support from Premier Doug Ford and the transportation minister. He defended his transit record, highlighting investments in OC Transpo, successful LRT line openings, and the introduction of an electric bus fleet to enhance reliability. Sutcliffe acknowledged ongoing challenges in transit but assured passengers of progress and his commitment to improvement.