Transit Windsor is offering a partial refund to riders who purchased a pass between February 19 and March 19.
Services were suspended Sunday by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens over concerns of cleanliness on buses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I did not make this decision lightly and I certainly do not underestimate the impact of the decision that there are people who will be disadvantaged by the decision that I made,” said Dilkens. “But at the end of the day, this decision was not about anything else but helping to reduce the loss of life.”
As part of the targeted support system, anyone who purchased a 15-day pass within that time period will be given a $25 payment and anyone who purchased a 30-day pass will be given a one-time payment of $50. Individuals holding an affordable pass program, Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program pass valid during the same time period will be given a one-time payment of $75.
Executive Director of Transit Windsor Pat Delmore said the payment is less about offering a refund and more about offering some support to consistent users of transit.
“This was about recognizing that group of people as being the ones who were eligible that are not having transit right now and the cashback to them is not about a refund of any number of days it’s recognizing that they likely would have also purchased another month into the time that we’re in right now,” said Delmore.
Ward 3 Councillor Rino Bortolin was one of three councillors who voted against the motion. He said the payment is not enough for the riders who depend on the bus service to make essential trips during the pandemic.
"It simply does nowhere near enough to what we should be providing. Transit and mobility for our residents is one of our essential services," said Bortolin. "This is having a huge impact across the community and for us to cut a $25 cheque to someone is just simply insulting."
During its last week of service, Transit Windsor had 4,000 to 7,000 users.
