Local Events

February 26, 2010

Andrea Jensen, art teacher, Patsy Agard, principal, Malin Wijenayake, student and Coun. Desroches display a few of the selected designs of the Longfields-Davidson Heights students, which will be used in OC Transpo's Cooperative Seating campaign.EMC News - Grade nine students at Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School (LDH) lent their artistic talents to the city by pitching their ideas, graphics and slogans to OC Transpo's new Cooperative Seating - It's Your Move campaign, designed to promote respect and awareness among ridership. At a recent unveiling at the Nepean Sportsplex, campaign posters were displayed featuring the student's artwork. A bus painted with the campaign slogan will also be present at future events and contests.

"It's a very diverse group of artwork because it was a graphics assignment they did and they really put a lot of thought into it," explained Patsy Agard, principal at LDH. "One student used hands to make a heart shape and another did a stand-up figure that was really modern looking. I think it says a lot about where their heart is. They put a great deal of thought and effort into it, about how to convey the message of courtesy seating. "

With an increase in ridership, OC Transpo has noted that in crowded buses, not all riders can stand for a lengthy period of time and need the courtesy of others. By emphasizing cooperation among riders with colourful branding inside the bus, OC Transpo hopes to improve service for all, as those who need seats at the front of the bus would be able to access it while those not requiring special seating would move to the rear of the vehicle.

Ms. Agard said the students are transported to the school on few 600-series buses, which are always full. During the presentation, the school's autism class was also included to show that individuals needing courtesy seating are not always physically disabled.

"For some it is ability issues and for others it's intellectual issues," Ms. Agard said. "It goes beyond what you see. The students are aware of how important it is to share seats. They have a better understanding and awareness overall of who's in need versus the past where students who had exceptionalities were isolated. Because these students are a part of their day-to-day existence, they know how to react now and it's important to them to get this cooperative message out there."

Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Steve Desroches was also present at the ceremony to congratulate the students on their hard work and creativity.

"I would like to thank the Grade 9 students of Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School for doing such a great job on this project," he said in a statement. "Your work demonstrates your kindness and concern for others. This public awareness campaign will serve as a friendly reminder to transit riders to keep the front seats available for those who need them most."

Malin Wijenayake, at student at LDH said she hopes her involvement in the project would help the entire community to be respectful of the needs of others.

"Not only did this project test our visual talents, but this also helped us understand the importance of this project and how we are helping the public," she said. "We are very grateful for this opportunity, and I truly believe this will help improve the cooperation between the people of our community."

For more information about the campaign, visit www.octranspo.com.