Although I don’t live in Burlington anymore, I’m looking forward to attending the Burlington Transit Users Forum this Saturday at the Central Library.
The event runs from 10 a.m. – noon.
The “Users Forum” idea sounds like a good one.
Burlington For Accessible Sustainable Transit (BFAST) has set it up so that those who use the buses in Burlington can describe their riding experience and provide their views on how the system should be improved. A panel of transit users will offer comments which will help facilitate the dialogue. Then attendees will move into breakout sessions that will focus on specific issues.
By the end of the morning it is hoped that strategies for improving transit and special transit will have been developed.
Let’s face it, in the past City Council has not been receptive to ideas of transit users. I’m optimistic that things are changing.
That’s because some members of Council accepted the BFAST challenge to spend five days in a month using Burlington’s Transit (BT) system. BFAST suggested this would help them understand the needs of transit users and find ways in which transit in Burlington could be improved.
Kudos to Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward who took up the challenge. I believe she will be sharing some thoughts at the Users Forum.
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| Councillor Meed Ward Took the Challenge |
Mayor Goldring should also be commended for stepping up and meeting the challenge. The Mayor wrote a very thorough report on his experience. You'll find it at http://www.burlingtonmayor.com/transit-in-burlington-reflections-upon-completing-the-transit-challenge/
Goldring says he will be sharing his ideas with Transit staff. I’m hoping he’ll also share thoughts with his council colleagues who may not have enriched themselves by using BT.
MPP Eleanor McMahon rode with the Mayor for some of his challenge and hopefully will also have some insights.
You can register for the forum, which also includes a continental breakfast, at http://bfastransit.ca/?p=450
