OC Ohno

This sounds insane:

Staff have come up with a plan to reduce the City of Ottawa's fuel consumption by 25%, but it would require drastic transit service cuts and cause a decline in ridership. ... The policy report, expected to be tabled at next week's transportation committee meeting, suggests eliminating 20 bus routes and reducing transit service by 25% to all areas of the city. It also proposes eliminating all morning-transit service for Riverside South.

It seems a bit like the "musical ride" style cutback: propose something so ludicrous, it is rejected out of hand. Smart move, City staff. Though proposing something useful, like replacing older buses with fuel-efficient ones, might make more sense. Cutting back bus service may reduce the City's fuel consumption, but increase overall consumption as spurned riders get back into their cars. On a related note:

Transit fares are paying less and less of the cost of running OC Transpo, but officials with the company are hoping a new fare structure, including a 7.5 per cent fare hike, will close the gap. ... A report going to city councillors on the transit committee next week says the cause of the widening gap is increased demand for longer trips downtown from the suburbs and higher fuel prices.

Guilty parties include residents of Bells Corners on the 69. I wonder how much more than the 7.5 per cent "average" prince increase the long-haul express routes will enjoy?