Skip to priority
Nicholas Gollé Somerset Ward 14
Ward priorities
Priorities Mobility

Ward priority 03

Updated

Mobility & Access

GoalSafe, accessible ways to get where we need to go.

My transportation priorities
  • Reliable transitUseful service people can depend on.
  • Road safetyFind and address dangerous conditions earlier.
  • Follow through on plansFund the work and check whether it helps.

How I see transportation

The whole journey matters

Transit is not accessible if someone cannot reach the stop, board or make their connection. Sidewalks, winter maintenance and accessibility are part of the service people experience. Where we build homes and services also affects which trips are possible.

Priority 01

Reliable and useful public transit

I see OC Transpo as an essential public utility. It benefits the whole city, including people who never board a bus or train. Fare revenue alone does not tell us what that service is worth.

I would seek a Council-adopted mandate that recognizes that role, makes reliability its first obligation and provides funding over several years. Council is responsible for the mandate and resources. Transit professionals should determine how to deliver it.

  1. Stable resourcesVehicles, operators and maintenance
  2. Reliable serviceTrips and connections run when promised
  3. Useful connectionsFrequent, accessible service to jobs and daily needs
  4. Public confidenceCan people depend on the service?
  5. Check the resultsLook at use, reliability and gaps
Use what we learn to change the service plan or its funding.

Priority 02

Safety for every road user

I do not think we should wait for a serious injury to take a dangerous location seriously. Residents’ experience belongs alongside the evidence. People make mistakes; our streets should not turn predictable mistakes into death or serious injury.

  1. Identify riskEvidence and what people experience
  2. ActA response suited to the location
  3. Measure resultsWhat improved? What else changed?
  4. AdjustChange a response that is not working
Look for dangerous conditions before someone is seriously hurt.

Why I rarely use my bike

I normally walk and use transit when appropriate. I own a bike, but I rarely use it because I do not feel confident cycling. The conflicts and near misses I see while walking make me hesitant to join the people already cycling here.

My hesitation is only one part of the picture. I would listen to people who cycle, people who want to and people whose access needs I have not experienced.

Priority 03

Follow through on the plans we have

I support increased investment in walking and cycling and a greater share of sustainable, low-carbon trips. Ottawa already has long-term transportation plans. I would press for funding across successive budgets and attention to gaps and high-risk locations.

  1. PlanStart with Ottawa’s existing plans
  2. FundMake room in each budget
  3. ImplementDo the work
  4. MeasureCompare results with intentions
  5. LearnUnderstand what worked and what did not
  6. Adjust and continueApply it to the next stage
Use the results to decide whether to change the plan, its funding or how the work is done.