Sir: Well I see Mark Thomas has joined the issue of buses at Superstore and Wal-Mart with the very good article by Jim Blake in The Chatham Voice Feb. 4.
At least, Mark, you got a point over, but a little late. We will not be getting a shelter there and we don’t really want one, although that would be better than nothing.
It is still too far, especially for older seniors to be dropped off and picked up where the buses stop now, shelter or no shelter.
It was always understood that the buses would not be allowed to drop off in front those two stores, especially at Wal-Mart. Not so! I phoned head office and they never heard about it, and lucky to say since I got up and spoke at a council meeting which seems months ago for Age Friendly. Also with Wal-Mart in Toronto, things are on their way.
But now I notice in The Voice Feb. 4 issue, Adam Sullo and council say it should be OKed in two months. Well good news for the heat of summer and future winters to come.
The issue now is buses on schedule according to Adam to go into Superstore by the road at the Superstore gas. It will take no longer than to go where it does now to drop off at Mark’s Work Warehouse and get back out for Wal-Mart.
But nearly always, #2, #3 and #4 buses have to wait at the terminal for #1 to arrive anyway; that’s on most given days. Safety should be an issue, as one has hoods up on coats to fight the wind, snow and rain. We are at risk to be able to see vehicles zooming in, out and around that parking lot to get to either of these two bus stops where they are now. Surely it would be a lot safer to drop us of and pick up from the sidewalks outside the stores.
Plus in winter and heat of summer, one can stay and probably sit down for the aged and can see the bus coming from St. Clair, especially at the Superstore. Most people have cell phones and can call the bus line if they are at Wal-Mart where bus #2 is so they don’t have to wait in the elements too long. The bus company is so helpful.
So I hope council will soon have the issue solved, and be a reality. It needs to be dealt with; the sooner, the better.
Ruth Draper
Chatham
