A coalition of city groups representing seniors, students and disabled persons say they plan to fight the city's decision to cancel 13 weekend bus routes.
"Public transit is a basic need and should never be cut," said Mary Pankiw, president of the Manitoba Society of Seniors. "This move is insensitive, inhumane and callous."
City council approved the $100,000 in transit cuts along with reductions to a host of other services two months agao to make up afor a shortfall caused by blizzards and the spring flood.
But Pankiw and others, who held a news conference outside Mayor Susan Thompson's ofice yesterday morning, said the cuts affect the city's most vulnerable and those who can least afford alternative forms of transportation.
"When you eliminate bus service, you for all practical intents confine people to their neighbourhood or block of residence," said Jeff Lowe, representing Choices. "The range of possibilities for them shrinks to a fraction of what can be experienced by those who enjoy access to a private vehicle."
Lowe said the city claimed the routes were cut due to lack of use but added the low ridership was created by poor scheduling and infrequent buses. Pankiw said the cuts mean that many seniors, students and disabled and unemployed are unable to visit friends and family, cemetaries or to go shopping.
Lloyd Terry, representing the League of Manitobans with Disabilities said his group plans to appeal to Thompson's executive committee and to the works and operations committee in an effort to get the service restored.
"I'm convinced there are nine votes (on council) willing to cancel the cuts," Terry said.