From My Bottom Step

With respect to “Pond Mills splash pad controversy all wet” (London Free Press ‘Letters’; 2006/02/06). The writer asked “why can’t you get into your cars or jump on a bus and head to the Storybook Gardens splash pad like everyone else?”

It should not come as any surprise that many of those who live in public housing do not have the disposable income for the purchase and operation of private auto. And as a regular user of public transit in this area of the city, I can attest to the fact that it leaves a lot to be desired.

It is not possible to travel directly to Storybook Gardens by bus. One must first take the #1 route to downtown, and from there transfer to the #5 route. The #5 only arrives every 30 minutes Monday-Friday. If you miss one on a Sunday or a holiday, expect to wait a full hour for the next one. And if you miss your connection (something that happens too frequently in this city) the total one-way trip time can exceed 2 hours.