Today's letters: Canada Post needs fixing (so does OC Transpo)

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Re: Canada Post strike pushes feds into action to protect vital services, Nov. 15.

Canada Post delivers mail to a larger geographic area than any other country in the world. Under its regulations as a Crown corporation, it has not been receiving any subsidies from the federal government but has been expected to continue delivering daily mail over a vast area with a rapidly increasing number of addresses.

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As I walk around my neighbourhood on paper recycling day, almost every household has several Amazon cardboard boxes. This is not surprising given the difference in parcel delivery costs between it and Canada Post. This is not good for Canadian businesses. Often I have seen an item in a local retailer that I would love to send to a person but I don’t purchase it because the cost of mailing is exorbitant.

Three things need to happen. Mail delivery should be reduced to twice or three times weekly; Canada Post should receive substantial subsidies from the federal government; and mail delivery should be considered an essential service, thus disallowing strikes (instead using mandatory arbitration).

Susan Harrison, Gloucester

Any plans to raise transit ridership?

Re: Today’s letters: You bet seniors are seething over OC Transpo fares, Nov. 18.

I fully support the concerns raised regarding the proposed 120 per cent increase in OC Transpo’s senior monthly pass. This price hike will place a significant financial burden on seniors, who are among our most vulnerable citizens. However, my greater concern lies in the city’s broader strategy to address OC Transpo’s $125-million deficit.

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Instead of raising fares, which risks further diminishing ridership, the city should focus on strategies to increase public transit use. As more people abandon public transit, we are all feeling the impact of heavier traffic on the roads, leading to longer commute times and greater environmental strain.

Raising fares, particularly for seniors, will likely push even more riders off the system, deepening the deficit and exacerbating the very issues the city is trying to resolve. A focus on making transit more accessible and attractive to riders, not more expensive, is the solution that will reduce the deficit while ensuring that public transit remains viable for all.

The city needs to rethink its approach. This fare increase is a short-term fix with long-term consequences.

Heather Garnett, Kanata

Expect a decline in transit users

Yes, I am a senior citizen. Yes, I am upset about the possibility of a 120 per cent increase in the seniors’ bus pass. I have stopped relying on the travel planner when the first bus is late or does not arrive. I have to call a taxi to make my appointments, which makes me pay more money. I have to rely on route schedules to try to allow more time to get to my destination — then deal with the bus alerts. Is my bus cancelled?

Bus shelters are inadequate, with two seats in a shelter when standing is a concern for those with mobility issues. OC Transpo is a disgrace for the  citizens of Ottawa. Look forward to a decrease in ridership.

Joan Alexander, Ottawa

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