Mover: Councillor Olson
Seconder: Councillor Wink
WHEREAS accessible and efficient public transportation fosters community connectivity, promotes mobility, and enhances the quality of life of residents;
AND WHEREAS on March 19, 2024, the City of Niagara Falls passed a motion requesting the Niagara Region Transit Commission establish a discounted seniors fare that is competitive with others in the Golden Horseshoe, further seeking endorsement from all local area municipalities in Niagara Region;
AND WHEREAS Council for the Town of Pelham supports the establishment of a discounted seniors fare within the framework of Niagara Regional Transit, acknowledging the importance of affordability and accessibility for our senior residents;
AND WHEREAS recognizing the potential for enhancing Niagara Regional Transit, it is imperative to explore additional avenues, including but not limited to building capacity for service reliability, expanded service hours, expanded Saturday and Sunday service, and the introduction of additional varied fare rates;
AND WHEREAS Council acknowledges that the implementation of such service enhancements will directly impact taxpayers;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Staff be directed to consult the Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee, the Pelham Active Transportation Committee, the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the Mayors Youth Advisory Collective to gather input regarding the potential expansion of Niagara Regional Transit services;
AND THAT staff be directed to prepare an information report for Council’s consideration, inclusive of cost estimates, as well as the input gathered from the aforementioned Committees.