The widow of Dave Woodard, the bus driver killed in Wednesday’s crash on Woodroffe and Fallowfield has an idea to help OC Transpo drivers and passengers get past the tragedy: Terry Woodard is suggesting the transportation company retire route number 76. OC Transpo says it's received the request from the family but won't comment on what it may do.
And today, drivers donned black armbands in memory of their colleague and the 5 others who died on board route 76. It's an unusual request in an unusual circumstance. Retire bus route 76.
On her Facebook page today, Terry Woodard, the widow of the bus driver killed in Wednesday's horrific crash says her nephew called the head of OC Transpo, John Manconi, to request they retire bus route 76 and that “Manconi advised him that he would do anything for them.”
The route was still running late this afternoon and CTV News was told that OC Transpo had received the request and that it was under consideration. Some passengers are hoping the route will stay as it is.
"I don't think that's a great idea,” says Karen Plourde, as she waited on MacKenzie King Bridge for her bus, “It should keep the same. it should still run as before and whatever happened, happened.”
"I think it's just a number,” says Thomas Watts, who was waiting for Route Number 76. “People are superstitious. I don't think it's that big of a deal.”
Other passengers say it probably is a big deal for his widow and other victims.
"I think that's a good idea,” says bus passenger Janice Heath, “It could help certain people not to remember all that all the time.”
"Good way to remember it and hopefully it doesn't happen again in Ottawa,” added Mary Fournier.
OC Transpo drivers were remembering the tragedy in their way too, sporting black armbands in memory of their colleague.
“Just a reminder of how we all feel right now,” said one driver, as he flashed his armband.
Mario Royer, a driver as well with OC Transpo, said wearing the armband was “just respect for my co-worker. I don't know him personally. It's team work. My friend and that's what it is.”
“It shows unity among us,” added another driver.
Routes numbers have been phased out in the past but it's been a gradual process. If OC Transpo agrees to do this, it won't happen overnight.
A trust fund has been set up ATU Local 279 to assist the family. Donations can be made at any branch of the Bank of Montreal to the "Terry Woodard In Trust" account. A/C 0081 3987-172.
The Royal is also hosting a lecture on how to cope with a tragic event on Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr and Katie Griffin
