Feb. 21 is the deadline for full refunds on December bus passes, and while the city encourages pass holders to take advantage of post-strike incentives, pass holders would be better off lining up for refunds, a transit rider said.
As part of the incentive program to get riders back on the buses, OC Transpo is offering free transit until the end of February and then 60 per cent off the March pass. It would cost $32.40.
The combined cost for a December and March regular adult pass comes to $113.40.
But, as alert transit rider Chris Siu pointed out Thursday, getting a full refund on the December pass ($81), paying half-price fare until the end of the month ($10), then buying a March pass for full price results in a savings of $21.60 for passengers.
“That’s supposed to welcome us back? It’s maddening,” said Siu.
“I’m glad in a way that the union wants to do their scheduling. I can see between management and council they really can’t figure things out. If it were left up to them, the buses would never get out of the garage.”
On principle, Siu got a refund on Feb. 14, then the date was pushed back a week, so she went back and got her pass back and she’s planning to get back in line on Feb. 21 to get another refund.
