Reservists to be included in free transit program

Unanimous support for a motion from MPP for Kanata-Carleton, Karen McCrimmon, will include reservists in Metrolinx’s plan to provide free transit to veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Early last week, the province announced its plans to extend its usual complementary rides for veterans on Remembrance Day, to free transit year round beginning March 2025.

But the original plan left out a significant portion of those who serve Canada, reservists.

Reservists are those who are not full-time active duty military personnel, rather part-time who live off base. However, reservists can still be deployed at any time should the need arise. A key act of Canada’s reservists was contributing to the COVID-19 response, particularly at long-term care homes.

Reservists make up nearly one-third of the CAF.

“Metrolinx should not be dividing our armed forces by creating two tiers of recognition,” McCrimmon said while presenting her motion to include reservists Thursday. “Reservists are a vital part of our nation’s defense and are deserving of recognition.”

The issue hits close to home for McCrimmon who is retired from a 31-year career as a Lieutenant-Colonel and a reservist. She was also the first woman to command a Canadian Forces Air Force flying squadron and has received many accolades.

Metrolinx said it is working to enable this fare type on PRESTO cards, and also looking at future plans to extend free service to UP Express in the future.