"If we can make it easier for seniors, it's good for society as a whole," said Mayor Jim Watson.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson with local seniors outside of an OC Transpo bus, July 2019. Chris Kurys/ OttawaMatters.com

1 / 1 Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson with local seniors outside of an OC Transpo bus, July 2019. Chris Kurys/ OttawaMatters.com

On top of riding transit for free on Wednesdays, Ottawa senior citizens will now have the ability to ride transit on Sundays free of charge.

Mayor Jim Watson made the announcement Wednesday morning at the Billings Bridge Transitway Station in the company of about 20 senior citizens.

"It's about encouraging them to get out and socialize," said Watson. "If we can make it easier, it's good for society as a whole."

He estimates that 35,000 people will use the Sunday service, and the cost of providing no-charge Sunday service will run an estimated $100,000.

"A lot of stores wrap around their marketing in terms of seniors discounts on Wednesday because of the no-charge bus service, and we hope to see the same uptake with the Sunday service as well." said Watson.

Transit Commission Chair Allan Hubley was also in attendance Wednesday, and says transit passes will be easy to use for the O-Train and light rail once it opens too.

"Just tap your card to open the fare gate and there will be no charge to your card," said Hubley.