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So much for using my Presto card
Recently a group of older ladies, including myself, planned a trip downtown. I have ridden the bus/light rail occasionally and thought this would be a great opportunity to encourage six other seniors to give it a try. In preparation for our outing, I made sure my Presto card, which hadn’t been used since 2023, was still working and had sufficient funds.
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We met at the bus stop and I got on first. I tapped the big green circle with my Presto card and then looked at the bus driver to confirm that everything was fine. Since there was no problem, I got on the bus. The others followed. When I asked the driver for a transfer he said it was not necessary as it was on my Presto card.
We were stopped by an attendant as we left Rideau Station. Since most paid in cash, they made their transfer. He scanned my card and said it had not been used since 2023. I explained exactly how I tapped the bus, but the response was, “machines don’t lie.” My friends assured him that I had paid. A supervisor watched and listened. I got a ticket for $260. I could have traveled for free the next day.
I was urged to call the number on the ticket if I disagreed with the situation. After five attempts and several hours I was bluntly told that it could not be resolved over the phone. I have requested a hearing date. My older friends, who are as tired of ageism as I am, plan to join me. Clearly my friends won’t be using the OC Transpo in the near future, if ever.
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Now the cost of a senior pass will increase by as much as 120 percent, pushing many even further away from public transportation. Empty vehicles will not make up for our transit deficit. How about good service, machines that work, friendly, helpful service and reasonable rates?
Penny Mount, Ottawa
Sell the trains, bring back the buses
There is only one possible solution to the many LRT problems: sell the LRT trains, pave the tracks and put buses on them. Buses are much more flexible in terms of passenger volume. They work in rain, sleet and snow.
We have a lot of immigrants who need jobs. Some train them to become bus drivers. Finally, add a year of free bus use to build ridership again.
A victory for everyone.
Marcia Falconer, Ottawa
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