Ottawa Transit Riders / Le groupe des usagers de transport en commun d'Ottawa

As you may know, Ottawa Transit Riders is part of a coalition of local groups advocating for the city to make its upcoming budget more people-friendly. We are angry that the city is proposing to raise transit fares by 2.5% in January.

Are you willing to join us? Here are a few things you can do:

Join the Ottawa Transit Riders – our AGM is on Tuesday, November 16^th

Sign up to speak at the online Transit Commission meeting on November 17th. You can email Eric Pelot at [email protected] to ask to speak as a delegate or you can submit a written letter that will be part of the official record of the meeting (letters are NOT read aloud).

If you are willing to speak at the Transit Meeting but are nervous about how to make your point, here’s a primer on presenting at Transit Commission meetings.

Next Transit Commission meeting: Wednesday, November 17, 2021; 9:30am (end time is variable).

Agenda for Transit Commission meeting November 17, 2021

Note that there are three motions dealing with fares and operational funding that are likely to be of interest to OTR members and allies.

1. A proposal to provide free transit passes to people living in shelters;
2. A proposal to freeze fares for the monthly Community Pass, the monthly Access Pass, and the monthly or single-ride EquiPass (passes for people who are low income);
3. A request that the Mayor and Transit Commission Chair write to the federal government requesting operational funding to support transit in Ottawa.

Ottawa City Council YouTube channel (where you can watch the meeting) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUR3i_hvk3-3i8vtrPg6v1Q  

How do I get myself on the speakers’ list?

To be put on the Transit Commission speakers’ list, contact Eric Pelot at [email protected] and indicate that you wish to speak at the next Transit Commission meeting (include the agenda item you wish to address).

How does it all work?

You’ll be sent a zoom link a day or two before the meeting. If you are concerned about technology (e.g., unreliable internet), you can contact the committee coordinator for the call-in number.

Make note of the speaking order on the agenda. This will give you a better idea of when your turn will take place, though it is important to note that your turn may arrive early if other delegates are not present.

You may speak in your official language of choice.

You’ll have up to five minutes to speak (although it is not necessary to use your full allotment)

If you want to provide a slide show, send your presentation to Eric Pelot in advance.