The public complaints made by citizens regarding the unsafe and inaccessible bus stops in North Bay have been heard and new information has come to light regarding the City's response to the bus stop situation.
See related story: Bus stop beef breakthrough?
In a phone interview, Coun. Mark King revealed the direction his Community Services Committee is taking to rectify the safety and accessibility challenges identified by the public.
"Since Tuesday night, staff from Community Services and Public Works have met. They've had ongoing discussions about what transpired with what looks to be four bus stops out of about 300.
"The issue, as of this morning, has been addressed by Parks staff, they have gone out and cleaned all of the bus stops out. The one on McKeown [that was closed], the complete side of the street all the way up to the stop light where the A&W is has been cleaned in order to allow people to travel safely from the light to the bus stop without having to cross McKeown.
"Transit now are in the process of examining all of the stops across the city to make sure that there are no other problem areas.
"This is the short-term process, and that's the way things will be maintained through the balance of the winter. What's transpiring is Parks staff will take over the responsibility of those problem areas."
King indicated that the next step will be the installation of a sidewalk that connects bus stop 1155 with the nearest stoplight. This will happen this summer to alleviate this problem for next winter.
"I thought we had these problems solved last year. I had been dealing with them. Unfortunately, that didn't get done and it had to come to the Council table," said King.
King also said that he wished to thank the private citizens who took it upon themselves to help, adding that we will "make absolutely certain that this does not happen again."
