Senior fare hike to be further reduced in new transit plan coming to council

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A new plan to soften Ottawa's steep transit fare hikes for seniors is taking shape, and it's expected to be more generous than what passed at transit commission weeks ago.

Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney said he's been working with Mayor Mark Sutcliffe as well as councillors Glen Gower, Jeff Leiper and Jessica Bradley on the plan, which he expects will get wide support when council votes on the city budget on Wednesday.

"We've heard first-hand from our seniors and that has not gone on deaf ears. So take it to the bank — there will be further reductions," said Tierney.

"If you don't vote for this, good luck in 2026, in the next election cycle, because this is exactly what the public has been saying."

Gower, who chairs the city's transit commission, confirmed that "we are all working on a compromise on seniors' fares."