Thunder Bay Transit: Riders Deserve Better, and So Do the Drivers

I've heard from a growing number of Thunder Bay residents who are frustrated with our public transit system and some have talked to me throughout the campaign, or on line about it, and frankly, I feel that frustration. Buses running late, routes being cancelled and passengers left waiting, sometimes in bitterly cold weather, are not acceptable standards for an essential public service. For many residents, transit isn't a convenience. It's their only means of getting to work, attending classes, making medical appointments and buying groceries. When that service fails, many are left with no other options.

Council has been talking improvements to transit for years. In 2024, the City advanced plans for on-demand transit as part of its broader Transforming Thunder Bay Transit initiative. Now, in 2026, another Transit Service Optimization Review is examining our conventional routes, service gaps, accessibility and new operating models. Recommendations aren't expected until later this year, with on-demand services being introduced in phases through 2028. I get that restructuring an entire transit network takes work, but how many more studies and years of waiting should passengers have to endure before they see meaningful improvements?

There’s another part that can’t be overlooked: the safety, security and working conditions of our transit operators. Drivers are on the front lines every day, dealing with difficult situations while having the responsibility of getting passengers safely to their destinations. They deserve a workplace where they feel safe, supported and respected. That means reviewing security protocols, ensuring appropriate responses to threatening or abusive behaviour, and addressing scheduling pressures and working conditions that can contribute to stress and burnout. We can’t expect a dependable transit system without making the people operating it a top priority.

Meanwhile, fares increased again on April 1, 2026. A single cash fare is now $3.25, and an adult monthly pass costs $92.65. That's a big expense for someone depending on transit every day, particularly when they can't be sure their bus will arrive.

I believe Council should consider a temporary reduction in transit fares of at least 50% until real service improvements are implemented and reliability is restored. Riders shouldn't have to pay more for a service that is letting them down.

I also want immediate action rather than waiting for another final report. That means publicly reporting cancelled trips and on-time performance, addressing staffing shortages, improving operator safety, and establishing measurable service standards. Residents and drivers deserve to know what's being done and when they can expect results.

Northwood residents, like transit users across Thunder Bay, deserve dependable and safe public transportation. I fully support modernizing transit, but success has to be measured and real for both the people riding our buses and those behind the wheel.

Public transit is a public responsibility. If we're asking residents to depend on it, and drivers to deliver it, we have an obligation to make it reliable, affordable and safe for everyone.

Vote John Ongaro - Northwood.