Inquiry by Transit Commissioner Councillor Theresa Kavanagh:
That staff review the Ottawa Seniors Transportation Committee (OSTC) proposal to Transit Commission entitled “Senior Pick Your Ride-Free Day” and report back to the Transit Commission with information on the feasibility of implementing this proposal in the future.
Response submitted to the Transit Commission November 27th, 2019
As discussed at the November 20 Transit Commission meeting, OC Transpo’s current fare system technology, comprised of the Presto smartcard supplied by Metrolinx and the fare control system supplied by Scheidt & Bachmann, does not allow for the implementation of a program that would provide seniors an option to pick their no-charge day. Therefore, at this time, the suggestion of the Ottawa Seniors Transportation Committee is not feasible.
OC Transpo will continue to engage with Metrolinx and Scheidt & Bachmann on this issue, to see whether an initiative like this could be implemented with software upgrades in the future.
