In a powerful opinion piece published in the Waterloo Region Record, local advocate Mike Farwell shines a spotlight on a growing concern in our community: for many seniors, accessing basic necessities often comes down to a difficult choice—food or bus fare.

At Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW), we see this reality every day. For older adults living on fixed incomes, even a small increase in transit fares can create serious barriers to accessing critical services like medical appointments, grocery stores, and community supports. As Mike points out, a planned fare increase will only deepen this struggle, compounding the stress experienced by our most vulnerable residents.

This issue echoes what SHOW’s Executive Director, Brian, emphasized in a recent article: public transit is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Without it, seniors risk becoming isolated, missing essential health care, and losing their connection to the wider community.

SHOW remains committed to advocating for solutions that recognize the fundamental role transit plays in promoting independence, health, and dignity for seniors. We’re proud to stand alongside community voices like Mike Farwell’s in calling for more equitable, affordable, and accessible transit options.

As our region continues to grow and change, we must ensure that no one—especially our elders—is left behind. It's time for policies that reflect the lived realities of seniors and prioritize inclusion over exclusion.

Read Mike Farwell's Opinion here: https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/grand-river-transit-woes-mean-more-to-those-with-less/article_450fc2de-6fcb-58e0-aa89-00b879ee2ebb.html