Several months have slipped away since the London City Council gave a thumbs-down to the London Transit Commission’s (LTC) Annual Report. The controversial self-appraisal of their provided is now once again the topic of discussion at city hall, shockingly, still unchanged.
Accessibility champion, Dr. Jeff Preston restated to the CTV News, “Without a fundamental understanding of past mistakes, the prospects of carving a successful road to the future are bleak.” For many moons, Preston has been a vocal advocate for palpable enhancements in the paratransit service. Numerous citizens burdened by disabilities have encountered hours-long phone calls in attempts to secure rides that, much too frequently, were never available. As a result, critical medical appointments were missed, exacerbating feelings of isolation.
A divergence from the norm transpired in July, as city council deemed the London Transit 2022 Annual Report unworthy of acceptance. They expressed dissatisfaction with LTC’s self-assessment that its status as an “integrated, affordable, and valued mobility choice” was satisfactory.
Coun. Haleigh McAlister gravely addressed her civic works committee fellows saying, “Not recognizing this as a glaring failure? If asked, I’d label it a ‘needs improvement.'”
In agreement, Councillor Sam Trosow expressed his discontent at the same meeting, remarking that “The report is majorly inadequate, and needs resubmission after necessary amendments.”
As a consequence, London Transit was advised to “submit a revised report” to city hall.
However, in a letter slated for the Civic Works Committee’s perusal next week, LTC unabashedly supports its initial self-assessment. Chairwoman Cheryl Rooth explains, “While service level upgrades were undeniably necessary during the period in question, they were compromised not due to neglect but factors beyond the control of the organization.”
As per Dr. Preston, this letter provided a revealing glimpse into the workings of the transit commission. He said, “Their determination to argue over the competencies of their service highlights an organization more consumed with protecting its public persona rather than actual service delivery.”
Marking much of 2022, the pandemic-induced restrictions have significantly impacted ridership, staffing, and supply chains of London Transit.
According to Preston, the poor service continues into 2023 as paratransit riders, “Keep sending in reports of service lapses by the LTC, either on regular or specialized modes.”
He looks forward to the upcoming London Transit meeting on October 25, wherein they promise to unveil plans to tackle paratransit service issues. “We’ve been promised reform before, progress yet remains mute. Time will tell,” Preston shared.
The letter from LTC Chair Sheryl Rooth will be examined on Oct. 24, by the Civic Works Committee.
