The first
thing to do is for us to have meaningful consultation with bus drivers on how
to improve our City’s transit system. I’m convinced that the number one reason
why the 2011 changes to the bus system failed is because drivers were not
adequately consulted in the preparation of the consulting firm’s report. By
having meaningful consultation with drivers, we will show that we truly value
their opinions, which is the first step in mending any relationship. It will simultaneously
yield concrete steps on how to improve the bus service because drivers know
first hand what needs to be changed.
I also
want to actively consult the ridership. Despite claims to the contrary, this
was not done four years ago. In fact, during a meeting with transit managers I
could hear the thump of my own suggestions falling on deaf ears (I lead a
petition and garnered over 100 signatures against removing service along
Victoria Road south of Eastview). Posting an ad in a newspaper about a meeting
is not meaningful consultation: you have to go out of your way to ask for
people’s views. No wonder ridership has gone down.
I want us
to try new ideas: if Guelph is too small to fill big buses all day long, then
let’s join dozens of countries out there and have smaller vehicles so that we
can afford to run buses more often.
-asked by Guelph Politico
