Letters: Paid parking at Angrignon métro undermines free transit for seniors

Last week, I made my way to the Angrignon métro station to obtain my OPUS card and take advantage of the free transit program offered to Montrealers age 65 and older — a genuinely welcome initiative.

What greeted me, however, was a rude surprise. The station’s vast parking lot requires payment at rates that rival downtown Montreal.

Was anyone thinking when this policy was implemented?

The program is premised on encouraging older residents to use public transit. Yet for the many seniors who live beyond walking distance of a métro station — and who may no longer feel comfortable cycling or navigating bus connections — a car trip to a park-and-ride is often the only practical option. Slapping a parking fee on that first step inconveniences riders and actively undermines the program’s purpose.

The STM and the City of Montreal cannot have it both ways. If the goal is to get seniors — and all Montrealers — out of their cars and onto public transit, then park-and-ride facilities at métro stations must be accessible and affordable.

Paid parking at suburban métro stations sends exactly the wrong message — that transit is for those who are already close to it, and everyone else can keep driving.

I hope someone in a position of authority is listening.

George Dumayne, Baie-D’Urfé

Go Habs, from Edmonton

Just letting you know there are a lot of fans cheering for the Habs out here in the West.

I love watching the games. The Montreal fans are outstanding.

Bring back the Stanley Cup to Canada, where it belongs.

Ole! Ole! Ole!

Brian Kirkwood, Edmonton

Touching tribute to Mile End florist

Re: ” ‘Everyone loves’ matriarch of Mile End” (Extra, May 9)

What a beautiful and timely tribute to Tamey Lau, the longtime florist of Bernard St.

Many of us flower lovers have appreciated her hard work, choice of abundant flowers and plants, personal care for customers, and dedication to being a mother (raising 14 children!)

It is heartwarming to learn that her bright corner of Montreal life will still be welcoming clientele.

Vivianne M. Silver, Côte-St-Luc

Unsettling lack of accountability

Re: “Our corporate ties to ICE” (Opinion, May 7)

What’s unsettling isn’t only Canada’s corporate connections to ICE, but how easily they can exist without public awareness or real accountability.

Regardless, we don’t get to claim compassion at home while profiting from harm elsewhere. Ethics can’t be outsourced.

If Canadian companies are tied to ICE, then Canada is part of that story, whether we like it or not. And if we believe in and are serious about human rights, accountability can’t be optional.

We can, and should, always do better.

Lindi Ross, Carignan

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