As the OC Transpo strike continues, police are urging Ottawa residents to be cautious when carpooling. Ottawa Police released a public safety message on Jan. 5 with tips for carpool safety.
“Common sense should prevail,” said Jean-Paul Vincelette, an Ottawa Police Service media relations department constable.
Police advise that people should meet fellow carpoolers prior to a trip, so they don’t get into cars with strangers. They also warn against giving too much personal information, only sharing relevant facts like contact numbers, work location and travel routes.
Meeting in advance could be complicated, said Paul Balchin, a Centretown resident who uses a carpool to get to work. The strike is a desperate time, he said. “You’re going to get a ride or you’re not.”
Parents should always be aware of their kids’ travel arrangements, said Vincelette.
“It’s important for parents to always be in constant communication or conversation with their youth to make sure they are applying common sense safety rules,” he said.
During the strike, commuters have found other ways to get around. They’ve been walking, biking and driving their own vehicles. People with no access to cars have turned to ride-matching websites in hopes of hitching a ride.
Sites such as Ottawacarpool.ca, or Craigslist pages have helped people connect to get where they need to go. The City of Ottawa runs its own ride-share site, Ottawaridematch.com. The site has swelled from 700 to 12,000 users since the strike began, said Rob Orchin, City of Ottawa manager of mobility and area traffic management.
Balchin found a ride through the city’s ride-match site. Now he carpools to Kanata, where he works as a software developer. When searching for a ride, Balchin did not have many concerns. He’s been in Ottawa for eight years, and in that time he’s felt safe.
The police advisory was not provoked by incidents.
“We’re just being proactive,” said Vincelette. “Prevention is 90 per cent of police work.”
Police recognize the challenges of the strike, and they advise people to be patient and stay alert, said Vincelette. “Keep personal safety always in the forefront.”
If a person in a carpool situation feels unsafe for any reason, police recommend making alternate travel plans.
Orchin offers similar advice.
“Use your discretion. If you feel any hesitation about an arrangement, don’t take it,” he said. “Just make sure you’re comfortable before committing to the ride.”