Removing transit fare options panned by critics

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This article was published 29/04/2022 (1040 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The city is reviewing a series of potential Winnipeg Transit changes, including: limiting the number of pass options, eliminating free ridership for Transit Plus users on conventional buses, and expanding the low-income WINNpass program.

The public works committee examined the proposal as part of a new transit fare report Thursday.

The report suggests removing annual bus passes, as well as three-, 14- and 21-day passes, which collectively account for only around four per cent of fare revenue, making them the least popular options for Transit riders.

Limiting the number of fare options could encourage riders to consider longer-term passes and generate more than $300,000 in revenue over 2023, the report says.

Under the current system, around 687 Transit Plus users access conventional Transit for free. The proposal seeks to end that measure and save an additional $102,320.

“These passes were initially utilized as a short-term incentive program to encourage Transit Plus customers to try out the conventional transit system,” Transit communications officer Megan Benedictson wrote in an email to the Free Press.

The news came as a surprise to Ken Shachtay, chairman of Independent Living Resource Centre.

Shachtay, a wheelchair user who frequently rides both forms of local transit, said incentivizing people to use conventional buses already saves Winnipeg more than $25 per ride.

“It was introduced as a cost-saving for handi-transit, and I think it’s basically done that… If they can show me facts and figures to the alternative, I can be switched,” Shachtay said.

“I have no problem paying, but I’ll be taking Transit Plus a hell of a lot more.”

Patrick Stewart, an independent living consultant, was also confused by the suggestion to charge Transit Plus users to ride conventional buses.

“Transit Plus is Winnipeg Transit. It is not a special service for special people. It’s a service that has to exist because we have physical barriers in the world that prevent taxpaying citizens from using the bus like everybody else,” Stewart said.

“If you are already paying for access to Transit Plus, well, you’re just paying access to Winnipeg Transit. What does it matter what vehicle that you’re taking?”

The proposal also suggested removing the city’s $5 SmartCard rebate.

The changes are in line with the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan council approved in 2021 and will make Transit more equitable for all users, Benedictson said.

If council approves the proposal, Transit will use the savings to improve its WINNpass program, which offers low-income riders a 50 per cent discount on monthly passes. (Transit Plus riders who are low-income are eligible to apply for the program.)

With more funding, WINNpass could expand to include youth under 17, making Transit more accessible for families with financial barriers, Benedictson said.

It could also include a discounted daily fare for riders using e-cash, she added.

The report does not pursue a motion from Coun. Vivian Santos to move toward a $1 bus fare, saying broad fare reductions would require Transit to buy more buses.

City council will vote on the changes during its next meeting in May.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca