[homeles_ot-l] GREAT NEWS: low-income transit pass in Budget 2017

[Trevor Haché]

Good afternoon, this e-mail is being sent to all 50 organizations who have
endorsed our call
<http://healthytransportationcoalition.nationbuilder.com/transit_pass_petition>
for the City of Ottawa to create a low-income transit pass.

I write today with great news. Mayor Jim Watson and Transit Commission
Chair Stephen Blais just announced that a low-income transit pass will be
included in the draft Budget 2017, to be tabled on November 9th. Thanks for
all your support thus far, it has been instrumental in getting us this far.

As with most things, the details are important. They aren't currently
saying how much the pass will cost. To be clear, it is important that it
cost no more than $41.75/month, the same price as the Community Pass. It
would also be great if there was a single fare option, so that someone who
does not have the money to afford $41.75/month, could pre-qualify for a
deeply discounted single fare price that could be tied to their Presto
card, if possible.

*To ensure we secure this important victory, now is the time take action*.
We hope you can help in the following ways:
a) Please communicate with the Mayor and City Councillors your
organization's strong support for Ottawa prioritizing the creation of a
Low-Income Transit Pass in Budget 2017; ask them to ensure it costs no more
than $41.75/month, and that a single-fare option is available for those who
can't afford the monthly pass.
b) Please urge all your members/supporters to communicate to the Mayor and
City Councillors that they support a Low-Income Transit Pass prioritized in
Budget 2017.
c) Please RSVP to attend the Rally for the a Low-Income Transit Pass taking
place on Wed., Nov. 9th at Ottawa City Hall, and please invite your
members/supporters to attend, too. The rally is starting at 8:30am. People
can RSVP on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/177962389277925/
... and/or on our website:
http://healthytransportationcoalition.nationbuilder.com/rally_for_a_low_income_transit_pass


Now that Ottawa has said it wants to move forward with this, we need to
communicate that the community is supportive, and that we want the pass to
be affordable.

Thanks kindly.

Sincerely,

Trevor Haché, secretary & past-president, Healthy Transportation Coalition
www.healthytransportation.ca
Cell: 613-789-0604

PLEASE NOTE: I work 3 days a week for the Coalition; full days on Tuesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays.
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