Re: Taxpayers sponsoring base’s free transit? (Letters, July 13)
The letter writer evidently did not think this one through. Let me enlighten her.
Firstly, as she had already noted, the collective numbers of personnel taking the Blue Boat, ergo not being in traffic, greatly reduce the carbon footprint. That reason alone should suffice.
Secondly, the Blue Boat has been in service for many decades, transporting not only those who serve their country, but also the many civilian employees who support those who serve. I may add that the civilians probably outnumber the uniformed personnel in ridership. Regardless, we are all part of a team that use this service.
Is it a perk? Perhaps. But what is wrong with that? We pay taxes too. We foot the bill!
I’m quite sure the “poor stiffs” in the crawl really haven’t given the issue a thought and I would wager they don’t really care either way (unless the Blue Boat stops running and all those who use it start to drive).
Put your mind at rest, sit back and think of another cause to champion. Perhaps carpooling. Have you noticed how many single-occupancy vehicles are in the crawl? And thank those who serve, for you, in the Forces and DND.
Brent Carney
Victoria