Re: “Nelson council protests loss of transit funding”
I have continued to follow the transit decisions affecting the city of Nelson and area. I was encouraged by the BC government’s support for transit and some very strong initiatives that were announced at the beginning of the year. What I cannot understand is how there can be a freeze on operational funding to our areas when the government’s mandate is to increase public transit.
Are these initiatives for some areas/regions and not others? What does this mean for our community, Perrier Road, Perrier Lane and area, that remain cut off from our city? We are full citizens of Nelson, paying full city taxes. Is there any other area in Nelson that is cut off with no transit service or public access to the rest of the city? We are a virtual island. The closest bus stop by foot is almost a full kilometre away by walking along the highway with no shoulders, no streetlights or public walkways.
I am pleased to read in the Nelson Star that councillor Valerie Warmington introduced the motion to write letters and challenge Transportation Minister Todd Stone. Thank you for taking a stand on this issue!
Next September, my daughter will be attending L.V. Rogers (with 30 other students in the Perrier Road area). My neighbours and I will be will be driving all over this city adding to traffic and burning more gas going to and from activities.
Bus service will also benefit workers, elderly people, people without vehicles, people bringing home groceries and people that need to get to doctor appointments etc. We could be buying bus passes and supporting transit!
Last fall a petition with 200 signatures was presented to city council asking for service to be restored. Full daily service may not be necessary but peak service is. This service could be restored to the existing Uphill route as it was in the past before the 2013 transit cuts.
Bus service would add safety, reduce the environmental impact, and connect us to the rest of our community.
Councillor Warmington, thank you for standing with our community and giving this important issue continued support.
Janice Van Caeseele
Nelson
