If you walk by bus stops near big-box stores in Richmond Hill’s plazas and strip malls, you’ll often see an unfortunate but telling sight: abandoned shopping carts. These carts, left behind by shoppers who rely on public transit, highlight a fundamental flaw in the city’s transportation and urban design—one that fails to serve the needs of its residents effectively. Rather than connecting people to their destinations in a practical way, Richmond Hill’s transit system primarily moves people along major corridors—east to west or north to south—without considering where people are actually coming from or going to.

#### A Transit System That Doesn’t Serve People

Public transit is meant to provide a convenient and reliable alternative to driving, but in Richmond Hill, it does little to accommodate people who need to get groceries and other essentials. The issue is not just about frequency or scheduling—it’s about the fundamental design of the system. Buses follow rigid routes along major arterial roads, often forcing riders to walk long distances from their homes to the nearest bus stop, and then from the bus stop to their final destination. For someone carrying heavy grocery bags, this is not just inconvenient—it’s exhausting and impractical.

As a result, people end up pushing their carts to the nearest bus stop and leaving them there, illustrating how transit fails to serve their needs. They do this not out of carelessness, but out of necessity. When carrying multiple bags over long distances is simply not an option, people resort to makeshift solutions. The abandoned carts are evidence of a transit system that is not designed with real-life needs in mind.

#### A Car-Centric City and the Struggle for Pedestrians

One of the biggest reasons Richmond Hill’s transit system is so inadequate is that the city itself is built around car travel. Zoning restrictions have placed significant distances between residential areas and commercial zones, making it difficult for people to access essential services without a vehicle. Unlike older cities where neighborhoods were designed with walkability in mind, Richmond Hill’s urban layout assumes that people will drive to their destinations. As a result, walking is often not a viable option, especially for seniors and those with mobility challenges.

When people do make the trip to the grocery store, they often have to buy in bulk because returning frequently is too much of a hassle. But carrying home a week’s worth of groceries without a car is nearly impossible. The reality is that Richmond Hill’s urban planning forces residents into a car-dependent lifestyle, whether they own a car or not. Those who rely on public transit are left struggling with inefficiencies that impact their ability to complete even the most basic daily tasks.

#### The Impact on Seniors and Working-Class Residents

This issue disproportionately affects two growing demographics in Richmond Hill: seniors and working-class, minimum-wage earners. Many older residents no longer drive or find it challenging to do so, but transit is not built to accommodate their needs. Seniors relying on the bus for grocery trips face difficulties carrying bags, navigating long distances, and waiting in harsh weather conditions.

At the same time, Richmond Hill is no longer just home to upper-middle-class suburbanites. Increasingly, minimum-wage workers and lower-income families are moving to the suburbs in search of affordable housing. These residents often do not own cars or must share a single vehicle among multiple family members. Yet, the city’s infrastructure and transit system remain tailored to a car-owning population, making life even harder for those who rely on public transportation.

#### The Need for Change

If Richmond Hill wants to be a truly inclusive and livable city, it must rethink how it approaches transit and urban planning. Solutions should include:
– **Rethinking Transit Routes**: Buses should be designed to connect residential areas with shopping centers more effectively, rather than simply following major roads.
– **Improving Walkability**: Building more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and better lighting, can make it easier for people to get around without cars.
– **Addressing Zoning Restrictions**: Mixed-use zoning should be encouraged so that essential services are closer to where people live, reducing the need for long commutes just to buy groceries.
– **Providing Better Transportation for Seniors**: Specialized transit services or improved bus frequency could help older residents maintain their independence without relying on cars.

The sight of abandoned shopping carts at bus stops is more than just an eyesore—it’s a symptom of a failing system. Richmond Hill’s transit and urban design must evolve to reflect the needs of its changing population. A city that forces people to struggle just to bring home groceries is not a city that serves its residents well. It’s time to prioritize transit, walkability, and accessibility to build a more inclusive and functional Richmond Hill.