Episode 55 looks at the first batch of results released about the ‘Winnipeg Transit Violent Crime Intervention Strategy’ and the enforcement focus on fare-jumpers.
Marty Gold evaluates the numbers, including attempted fare skipping and those who took a hike when asked at the bus stops to verify they had the money to pay. There are also statistics on criminal charges laid by cops for either on-the-spot infractions or for prior cases. The numbers show how out of control things were allowed to get.
While Mayor Scott Gillingham and Public Works chair Janice Lukes are lauding the way the initiative has addressed violent and disruptive behaviour and enhanced Transit safety, their comments may rub some folks the wrong way. Especially when the public is told “we need everyone to do their part” yet the situation was allowed to get out of control by City Councillors refusing to have fare collection enforced years ago.
There’s more bells and whistles coming too – a “fare education campaign” and a Transit megaphone announcing fare payment is required as buses pull up to stops. That’s another example of something that could have been implemented last year, and didn’t have to wait until the next civic election was on the horizon.
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Our latest columns in the Winnipeg Sun:
Nov. 5- “Despite the ongoing chaos, visible fire hazards, dirty used needles and close proximity to a child care facility and high-density residential properties, the city allowed the situation to continue until, on Sunday, there were two major blazes – one at each of those locations – within 12 hours. Toxic fumes spiralled skyward, yet again.”
Fires and vandalism expose City’s slow encampment response
https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-fires-and-vandalism-expose-citys-slow-encampment-response
Nov. 9 – “Having dismissed the validity of the PDRC complaints without outright calling them liars, Smith then proclaimed, “I have a great relationship with constituents.”
“Smith is lucky she isn’t Pinocchio, or she would barely be able to turn her head in an elevator after saying that.”
Bernadette Smith ducks allegations that emails from Point Douglas are being ditched
https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-bernadette-smith-ducks-allegations-that-emails-from-point-douglas-are-being-ditched
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