Three years ago I moved to Nelson from eastern Canada. As a senior having given up my driver’s licence, I am dependent on the Nelson transit system. I was overwhelmed at what a great bus service was available to me in the city.
I certainly did not mind the recent fare increase because of the great service, but rumoured cuts in service upset me, and the many other riders and drivers that I have talked with agree. The bus riders in the city are for the most part totally dependent on the transit system for shopping, medical appointments, and getting to and from work (Sunday service is especially important).
Most riders are made up of seniors, low income citizens, students and persons with some form of handicap with no alternative form of transportation. A recent article in your newspaper stated that with route changes some people will have to walk a few extra blocks to catch their bus. It may surprise those who would move or eliminate bus stops that many of us have great difficulty walking a few extra blocks, especially with bags of groceries.
Personally, I find riding the bus a very pleasant experience because of the sense of community among the riders. Messing with their bus service is a serious mistake. An added hardship is being imposed on them. The riders on your buses are a great bunch of people who depend on those that they elected to stand up for them and demand a transit system that works for the people and not for dollar oriented groups, i.e. BC Transit and Nelson city government.
Come on, Nelson city council, speak up for the bus riders.
The city cites financial problems for cuts and route changes. The fact that BC Transit unloaded oversized buses, unsuitable to the Nelson terrain is a big part of the problem.
What seems to be overlooked is that public transit is not a business but a service provided by the province and the city to the community. Any deficit should be budgeted for and paid by our tax dollar.
The bus riders, the great drivers and the community deserve better. In the past, city council has been very creative in supporting the citizens when considering the overall effect of decisions of this kind. I trust that any decision to alter the bus service can be tempered by consideration for those affected.
Clayton McPherson
Nelson