‘Ottawa’ Bluesfest, Transpo Strike Transit Deal
OC Transpo has struck a deal with Bluesfest that will see the music festival pay the transit agency $100,000 annually for extra bus service.
Transpo originally wanted $200,000, which made festival organizers bristle. The two sides have been negotiating over the winter and spring. Inking a deal as soon as possible was important because Bluesfest begins July 7.
For festival-goers, it means they will get free Transpo service for three hours before gates open and for two hours after the last act each day, as long as they have valid tickets or wristbands.
John Manconi, Transpo’s general manager, told council in a memo Friday that it’s a five-year agreement. The $100,000 annually will help pay for the costs of adding buses during the music festival, which is held on the grounds of the Canadian War Museum.
The annual fee will increase at the same rate the transit levy increases on the tax bills of urban property owners.