Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammon
Because the plan was doomed from the start. They needed a plan that would address the determinants of health. The plan was literally to just kick them all out of the bus shelters instead of putting together a team that would move them out and help them to address their own issues. You can't kick all these people out and not have a plan to address their most basic needs. That's the only way this city will ever be able to address the homelessness and substance use issues- operate from a harm reduction model. Help people to get what they need.
|
Why does this have to be accommodated on the backs of transit users, though? Is it too much to ask homeless people to use the many existing homeless shelters and resources?
This letter to the editor in the Freep comes to mind... I feel for anyone who has no choice but to ride the bus these days. It sounds like it sucks now.
Quote:
Letters, June 29
Posted: 2:00 AM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 29, 2022
Last Modified: 8:11 AM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 29, 2022 | Updates
Transit fares optional
A year and a half ago, I had a seizure and MPI took my licence away. Since then, I’ve been forced to take Winnipeg Transit and I absolutely hate it.
It’s annoying and frustrating when I have to pay more than $100 per month for a bus pass and then I’m forced to watch person after person getting on the bus without paying. Equally annoying is having to stand in the cold wind or rain because most of the bus shelters are full of passed-out people, garbage, urine, fecal matter and other disgusting things.
I have many videos that show people just walking on the bus without paying or even acknowledging the driver. This is a major issue Winnipeg Transit turns a blind eye to because it is too afraid to deal with. Then, all additional costs and fare increases are passed on to the honest customers like myself who pay for a bus pass.
How about we let everyone who takes a bus know that just walking on without paying is a totally acceptable option? Or, are there different rules depending on who you are?
Richard Reginald Vandale
Winnipeg
|
The Millennium Library is a drop-in centre and homeless shelter now, parks are increasingly homeless shelters, so are buses and bus shelters, how long until swimming pools and rec centres also become homeless shelters? Is any municipal facility off limits besides City Hall?