QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Public Transit Critic Cheri DiNovo is blaming the McGuinty Liberals’ neglect of public transit for skyrocketing fares in Ottawa.
During today’s Question Period, she accused the McGuinty government of standing idly by as public transit fares become increasingly expensive.
“Despite all the government’s talk about its investments in public transit, transit is becoming less and less affordable for Ottawa residents. Transit fares are increasing faster than inflation across the province and the situation in Ottawa is particularly dire,” she said.
DiNovo referenced the 7.5 per cent increase in fares, just eight months after a 15 per cent increase in the price of bus tickets.
“At $3.25 a ride, Ottawa transit fares are among the most expensive in North America,” she noted.
To avoid fare increases in Ottawa and elsewhere in Ontario, New Democrats have called on the McGuinty government to commit to funding 50 per cent of public transit operating costs.
“That was the historic funding level before the Harris Conservatives swept to power. Dalton McGuinty has simply continued the Conservatives’ shameful neglect of public transit,” said DiNovo.
