On Wednesday, August 21st, representatives of CUSA’s Advocacy Team, Artur Estrela Da Silva, and Aidan Kallioinen, met with Capital Ward Councillor Shawn Menard and staff at the Haven Connect networking space.
Our team discussed proposals to offer free or reduced fare transit on key routes across Ottawa, as well as an easier qualification process for EquiPass and greater awareness of operator-dependent “Safe Stop” services.
On the opening of Trillium Line, it was communicated to our team that testing and commissioning of the line has not yet begun, but once completed may involve a 2-3 week testing period, in addition to a 6-8 week trial run.
Our team also led discussion regarding safety improvements to the Bronson Avenue corridor between the Rideau Canal and Carling Avenue, including short term priorities such as increased speed cameras and enforcement, reduced speed limits, and better bus shelters and pedestrian signals. Long-term, CUSA communicated the need for multimodal transport along the Bronson Avenue corridor, complete with bus and bike-specific infrastructure improvements, and the prohibition of left-turns on side streets during rush-hour periods to increase traffic flow.
CUSA looks forward to continued collaboration with Councillor Menard and his office, and appreciates the opportunity to connect on student transit and community-related priorities.