Frustration is boiling over as challenges mount within Halifax Transit.
More than 25 drivers, mechanics and some disgruntled riders appeared before city council on Wednesday as part of budget talks around the bus system.
Union President Sean O’Leary says his members do not feel supported and revealed he’s dealing with over a dozen resignations since the start of the new year.
“Two years….for two years we kept Halifax Transit going and we were driven into the ground during COVID,” O’Leary stated. “We kept transit going and what did we get for it? A cookie at Christmas. Thank you.”
The transit system has been forced to scale back and cancel routes and harbour crossings, as it has been tough to hire, train new drivers and keep up with others quitting.
Meantime, riders took to the mic to balk at a proposed hike to fares, which would push the price for adults, if paying with cash, up to $3.00.
Many councillors agreed and decided not to proceed with the fare increase, which would have brought in over $800,000 in revenue.
Councillor David Hendsbee was in support of the increase and felt it is overdue, given higher fuel costs as the fleet transitions to electric in the coming years.
A woman (did not say her name) told council she only learned to drive when she moved to Halifax because she felt the bus service was inadequate and slow.
She said after living in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, it was her only option to get where she needed to go by learning to drive.
“It’s a safety issue, when I have to wait at bus stops for long periods of time at night. I do not feel safe,” she said.
Others criticized long rides to go short distances along with waits in between transfers.
Council approved Halifax Transit’s budget for the year at nearly $39-million and will further explore increasing security at bus terminals.
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