Free transit to be provided for job fair attendees

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg council gave a green light to a request to provide free transit to job fair attendees.

Randi-Lee Durham, Director of Employment and Literacy Programs with the Multi-Service Centre, appeared before council on March 23 asking for a fee exemption for those attending the upcoming job fair on April 22, and a similar event in the fall.

“Our job fairs connect residents directly with employers, programs and job supports, however for many individuals, especially those who are unemployed and underemployed, even a small transportation cost can present them from attending,” she explained.

She said ridership data for T:Go on the days of previous job fairs shows increased ridership on those days.

“This is a simple effective way to increase accessibility and strengthen our local workforce,” she said.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy clarified that free ridership would only be between 1 and 5 p.m. – the hours or the job fair – and Coun. Pete Luciani asked if this ask would only be for rides beginning of ending at the job fair site. Durham confirmed the hours and the intention was just for those going to, or coming from, the job fair.

Responding to Coun. Chris Rosehart’s question if the Multi-Service Centre or the town would cover the cost, Durham said her hope was the town would.

Rosehart asked Manager of Operations Carlos Reyes how this could be tracked. He responded that the driver could ask people if their ride was in association with the job fair.

“It’s basically not a cost but a loss of revenue,” said Coun. Kelly Spencer.

“A loss of revenue is a cost because we have to make it up in the budget,” Gilvesy said.

The final resolution passed by council was to provide free transit on April 22 between 1 and 5 p.m. for rides starting and ending at Stop 14 for those attending the job fair.