Ottawa’s mayoral candidates are proposing different solutions for the city’s transit issues as the municipal election approaches. The transit system has faced challenges with bus reliability, LRT delays, and financial deficits. The leading candidates, Mark Sutcliffe, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo, and Alex Lawson, have outlined their plans to address these issues.
Mark Sutcliffe aims to enhance transit reliability by reducing fares, increasing bus purchases and hiring more staff. He plans to reintroduce express routes and expedite transitway developments. Sutcliffe also intends to engage in LRT uploading to Metrolinx for potential cost savings. Additionally, he proposes generating revenue through park-and-ride land development.
Jeff Leiper emphasizes improving reliability with bus rapid transit and dedicated lanes. He supports modest fare increases to sustain OC Transpo operations and addresses route and schedule adjustments. Leiper advocates for a long-term fleet maintenance plan to prevent bus shortages and proposes a transit service guarantee for passengers.
Neil Saravanamuttoo proposes aggressive fare reductions, implementing a “$1 single-ride” plan capped at $40 monthly. He anticipates revenue losses but expects a ridership boost to offset them. Saravanamuttoo plans to utilize LRT savings for funding and restructure the bus network, including the return of Route 95.
Alex Lawson prioritizes bus reliability, fare enforcement, and safety enhancements. He suggests route reviews, phasing out double-decker buses, and enhancing fare collection technology. Lawson supports an express bus network as a backup for the LRT and advocates for improved schedule management without proposing additional transit funding.
The candidates present contrasting approaches to tackle Ottawa’s transit challenges, offering diverse strategies to enhance the performance and sustainability of the city’s transit system.