With an automated announcement system on the way, another $12,500 penalty against OC Transpo for drivers failing to call out major stops is unnecessary, insists the head of the city’s transit committee.
“I don’t see how this fine is going to help matters any,” said Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen. “These fines divert taxpayers’ money. We’ve got the message. We’re doing the best we can. We’re bringing in the new system.”
Tuesday, the Canadian Transportation Agency issued the second fine against Ottawa’s transit service for failing to comply with a 2007 ruling requiring drivers to call out stops.
The previous fine, issued in July 2009, was for a first-time penalty of $5,000.
Cullen said drivers are calling out over 80 per cent of stops and the city is bringing a next-stop announcement system online later this year.
“There is a reason why most major transit operations on this continent have automated systems,” said Cullen. “We don’t keep drivers on the same routes all the time. There are traffic and passenger issues that come up and demand the drivers’ attention.”
