Rising Transportation Costs and the Need for Inclusive Solutions: How Ottawa’s 2025 Budget Impacts Older Adults

As Ottawa’s 2025 budget proposal significantly increases transportation and municipal fees, older adults on fixed incomes may face new challenges to their mobility and independence. The budget’s impact on OC Transpo fares and recreation fees, as well as sharp hikes in property taxes and solid waste fees, may place a disproportionate burden on those least able to afford it.

Transportation as a Lifeline for Older Adults

Transportation isn’t just about mobility—it’s a lifeline for independence, health, and community involvement. Affordable public transit helps older adults in Ottawa manage daily tasks, attend medical appointments, and participate in social activities without relying on others. When transit costs rise, older adults may face challenges in accessing essential services like pharmacies and grocery stores, which can hurt their health and quality of life.

Accessible transit options also support the growing preference for aging in place. According to NIA’s research, 95% of Canadians aged 45 and older believe that aging in place promotes their independence, comfort, and dignity. In comparison, 79% would only consider long-term care if they couldn’t afford in-home care. High transportation costs could jeopardize these options by isolating older adults from the services and community connections that allow them to stay in their homes longer.

Fixed Incomes and Rising Costs: A Growing Crisis

Older adults in Ottawa, many of whom are retired and living on pensions or other fixed incomes, already face housing, food, and health care affordability challenges. According to NIA’s 2023 survey, one in four Canadians aged 50+ said their income is not enough to meet their needs. With 17% of older adults below 50% of the median Canadian income, increasing essential costs like transportation can push many into financial hardship.

Why Inclusive Transit Solutions Are Critical

Affordable and accessible transportation is vital for older adults to stay connected to their communities, maintain social networks, and access essential services. Ottawa and the rest of Canada need transit policies that reflect the needs of older adults, such as fare subsidies or senior-friendly transit options. Accessible, affordable transportation isn’t just about mobility—it’s central to combatting social isolation, a major issue affecting older Canadians. NIA’s research, Understanding the Factors Driving the Epidemic of Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Canadians, shows that 41% of those aged 50+ are experiencing or at risk of experiencing social isolation, and 58% have experienced loneliness, both of which are detrimental to mental health and well-being.

Working Together for Sustainable Solutions

Addressing the financial strain of transportation on older adults requires a collaborative approach. NIA encourages city officials, transit authorities, and community organizations to work together to explore ways to make transportation affordable and accessible for older adults. By investing in inclusive transit solutions, Ottawa can help older adults age with dignity, independence, and strong community connections.

This month, there was one bright spot for veterans in Ottawa and across the region: Metrolinx’s newly announced transit benefit for veterans and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, which offers them year-round free rides on GO Transit, beginning March 1, 2025. 

Rising transportation costs may seem inevitable, but we can ensure that older adults aren’t left behind with forward-thinking policies.