Re: “Council has second thoughts on transit,” October 14
At first glance the apologetic rhetoric alluded to by councillor Donna Macdonald seems innocent enough. But as I read the article, I came away with some serious concerns about the future of Nelson’s public transit system.
For almost a century there have been great efforts to maintain reliable and affordable means of public transportation for those who depend on this service.
In the article, Macdonald states: “I am hoping that out of this we will identify a community-based option that perhaps helps not only to provide adequate Sunday service, but also helps to support a local non-profit, or a local business.
“Hopefully we can find a way to provide the service and benefit the service provider as well.” This is a disturbing idea to many.
We already have a system and a provider in place. Macdonald’s statement rings of privatization, which to me is not the way to go.
In my opinion transit is a service offered by the city, supported by local taxpayers.
It is a necessary service that should not be replaced by privatization, with profit in mind.
Bruce Melzack, Nelson