It's now been more than a month that Cowichan's buses have been out of operation and riders are hurting.
Transit workers in the Cowichan Valley who are members of Unifor Local 114 and Local 333, notably including bus drivers, began their strike on Feb. 8. The unionized workers also include cleaners and mechanics. Issues include working conditions, wages and pensions.
Transdev is contracted by BC Transit to provide bus service in Cowichan.
The strike has parked buses that cover the Cowichan Valley and also the extremely popular commuter buses to Victoria.
A demonstration in support of transit workers was held in downtown Duncan on March 15. Transit workers were not making millions and are surely being negatively impacted by the strike.
But those with the least amount of power in this situation are the riders, who are becoming increasingly frustrated, and who can blame them? There seems to be little urgency to resolve the strike even though union representatives have said they are prepared to begin a mediation process.
Some riders have been left with no way to get to work. Or appointments. Or social engagements.
Taxi service is not a viable replacement, begin prohibitively more expensive than public transit.
Walking and cycling are not viable alternatives for many older folks, children, those with disabilities and those covering longer distances, such as from Lake Cowichan to Duncan, especially in winter.
The bus strike is also likely doing long-term damage to the cause of growing public transit in Cowichan.
It would be healthier for our community if we could convince more people to get out of their individual vehicles and travel collectively. It's better for the environment, more efficient, and decreases congestion for those who are driving.
It's also far less expensive for people. Owning a vehicle is often the second biggest bill people have after housing. Many have a car payment, then there's maintenance costs, insurance and gas. With affordability a problem for many, reliable public transit can be a big way that people can make ends meet.
Then there are the seniors who can no longer drive, but need a way to get around so they can stay in their homes. And the youth that don't yet have a driver's licence.
The more people that take public transit, the better it can become, as demand will mean more routes and more frequency, making the service better and more convenient, thereby getting more people to use it....and the cycle goes on.
But who is going to want to sign on for public transportation if it's not reliable? If it can be shut off for weeks at a time leaving people stranded?
We need to get the buses back on the road before the damage is irreparable.
