Alternatives to Ottawa Public Transit (Part Two): Bring back hitchhiking
Given the abysmal service offered by OC Transpo, hereafter known as Octopus Transit, and the 19% hike in the cost of a monthly pass for seniors (albeit down from the 120% increase originally floated by the Octopi commission), it is high time to seek alternatives to a system which features chronically late or no-show bus transportation.
Last week I modestly proposed the humble rascal scooter:
Rascal scooter to the rescue: an alternative to Ottawa public transit (part one) – Robert McBryde
Now it’s time to suggest an alternative that’s even more daring: the return of hitchhiking.
Hitchhiking for oldsters.
About 250 years ago, when I was that youth in the embarrassing photo, hitchhiking was a popular way to get around, both local and long-distance thumbing being an integral thread in the crazy quilt of the countercultural, as common as peace symbols, tie-dye shirts, headbands, and certain illegal substances that have since become a cornerstone of the Canadian economy.
So here’s a call-out to all the seething seniors of greater Ottawa: when your bus doesn’t come, just stick out your thumb!
And Ottawa motorists, take pity on poor shivering old-timers and offer us a lift.
You can even call us “hon.”
Your friend,
Robert
Seething Seniors – Robert McBryde
Speech to the Ottawa Transit Commission at City Hall November 25,2024 – Robert McBryde
Robert McBryde – robertmcbrydeauthor.com
