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LETTER: Extend bus service

To the editor: It’s nice to know that the city is finally going to acknowledge they have an issue regarding cabs in this city. But there is more to it.

To the editor:

It’s nice to know that the city is finally going to acknowledge they have an issue regarding cabs in this city. But there is more to it.
This year the city reduced bus service again, meaning that on a Sunday one can expect very high wait times, the buses only run every 45 minutes.

The same is true when it comes to weekdays after 6 p.m. That said it seems that the cab issues began to escalate around the same time that bus service was cut back.

Furthermore there are times when the buses are too full and if there is not an "extra" coming you`re out of luck.

Personally given the record breaking cold temperatures this past week I’ll certainly pay an obscenely high bus fare if it means I get to keep my toes, but what do I do when no cab shows up.

The city says it has formed a committee to deal with the issue.

The committee`s newest member, Coun. Brian McKinnon, said it might be time for the city to issue more licenses to get more cabs on the street.

The committee will also look at whether licensing should be handed over to the city of Thunder Bay’s bylaw enforcement office.
Personally I believe this is a great idea because the current committee, the Police Services Board, has clearly been unable to resolve the issue.

Rather then blaming the new drinking and driving laws for the increase in cab fares why acknowledge that there are other explanations. Needless to say the city continues to demonstrate that they cause their own problems.

Thunder Bay Transit receives a subsidy from the government in order to help it provide a necessary service. Furthermore bus fares have steadily increased in the last couple years.

I find it puzzling the city could not maintain every 40-minute bus service evenings and weekends, choosing to cut service rather then add to it.

If the city’s coffers were in a bad enough state to cut bus service, why on earth is the city supporting the construction of the new hotel and condos?

Why is the issue of a multiplex even on the table? If we can’t meet current bus demand how are we going to meet demand brought about by a new 5,000-plus seat arena?

One thing at a time people.

Matthew DeBrouwer,
Thunder Bay





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