Calgary Council Votes to Extend Transit Transfer Windows and Review Free Fare Zone
In a significant move for public transportation, Calgary City Council has voted to extend transit transfer periods and initiate a comprehensive review of the downtown free fare zone. The decisions, made during a council meeting this week, reflect efforts to adapt to the city's expanding urban landscape and evolving commuter needs.
Extended Transfer Periods Approved
Council voted 11-4 in favor of a notice of motion from Ward 12 representative Mike Jamieson, directing administration to prepare amendments that would extend the transit fare transfer period from 90 minutes to two hours. This change aims to address the challenges faced by residents in outlying areas who rely on lower-frequency bus routes for longer commutes.
"It just highlights that we're a growing city," Jamieson remarked, emphasizing that the current 90-minute window is often insufficient for those traveling from the city's edges. "Especially in Ward 12, which is an outlier community, it simply takes longer to get places than it did in 1990."
Jamieson cited a constituent from the deep southeast who reported needing more than 90 minutes to commute to work, illustrating the practical necessity of the extension. He also noted that a two-hour transfer window would align Calgary Transit with other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal, potentially encouraging more residents to use public transit.
Financial and Ridership Implications
During the debate, concerns were raised about the cost and revenue impacts of extending transfer times, as some passengers might complete shorter round trips on a single $4 fare. Transit director Sharon Fleming acknowledged that the city lacks data on how the change could affect ridership, overall revenue, or passenger habits.
However, Jamieson argued that increased transit usage could offset any potential revenue loss. The motion requires administration to report back by April 27 with an assessment of the financial and ridership effects associated with the extended transfer period. "Part of the motion here is that we want the data," Jamieson stated, highlighting the need for informed decision-making.
Councillors Raj Dhaliwal, Jennifer Wyness, Nathaniel Schmidt, and Andre Chabo voted against the notice of motion, reflecting ongoing discussions about the proposal's feasibility.
Free Fare Zone Under Review
In a separate but related decision, council unanimously supported a notice of motion from Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Yule and Ward 6 representative John Pantazopoulos to conduct a thorough review of the downtown free fare zone. This assessment will include:
- Consultation with downtown-area and transit stakeholders.
- Analysis of operational, financial, ridership, and safety-related effects.
- Evaluation of potential reforms, including the implications of converting the zone to a paid-fare system.
The review aims to ensure that the free fare zone, which has been a fixture in Calgary's transit system, continues to meet the city's needs amid growth and changing urban dynamics.
Looking Ahead
These council votes underscore Calgary's commitment to enhancing public transportation as the city expands. By extending transfer times and reevaluating the free fare zone, officials hope to create a more efficient and accessible transit network that supports residents across all neighborhoods. As data is gathered and reviews progress, these initiatives could pave the way for further improvements in Calgary's urban mobility landscape.
