LETTER

Please comment on STO changes

 

The restructuring of the STO transit system has become a hot topic, with changes implemented in Aylmer this fall. The outcome is a lesson for many of us, that being the importance of public consultation and citizen engagement.

The STO did hold an online consultation on proposed changes, from March 15 to April 3, 2016, with 300 participants. One could raise the issue with the STO for undertaking such large changes on the basis of a two-week consultation that engaged less than 300 from a population of 56,000; the STO even introduced changes contrary to comments raised in its consultation -- nevertheless, they managed to check off a box.

Although residents can appreciate and applaud the positive outcomes for some, many of us are now facing serious transit issues. Engagement on this issue is still important, as the STO noted on its website and during the consultation period, because it will consider adding additional bus lines as needed.

To this end, I encourage residents to call the STO customer service line (819-770-3242) and make their voices heard. Note that comments posted over social media are excluded from the feedback count of the STO’s customer service department.

Céline Gauthier, STO spokesperson, noted that “the customer service department has not been flooded by complaints.” So for those of you facing a winter of infrequent buses, often overloaded or full to capacity, with limited and inconvenient alternatives, please get engaged, be persistent – the time is now.

Naina Sharma,
Aylmer resident since 1990