Calgary’s city council is grappling with balancing lower transit fares for seniors with its goals to simplify fare structures and increase revenue.
After an hour-long discussion Wednesday, councillors voted to defer a new Calgary Transit fare schedule back to administration for further study. Most of the discussion surrounded eliminating a special class for seniors.
“It’s good they’re going to look at this because if you take away the discount for seniors, they’re not going to be as active,” said Liza Chan, executive director of the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association.
“Seniors volunteer and it’s important we recognize their contributions and needs.”
Council has requested Calgary Transit simplify its fare schedule. Meanwhile, Alberta remains the only province to not fund transit operations, leaving the agency struggling to raise an extra $17.7 million annually for planned expansions.
City staff surveyed transit users and prepared suggestions. One proposal involved cutting the $95 annual fee for seniors and merging them with youth into a fare that is half the adult rate. Another proposal would see the city phase out its $15 per year pass for low-income seniors, instead offering a flat low-income rate of users of any age.
Transit officials said because seniors average just 20 trips per month, most could buy individual tickets and pay roughly the same each month.
But Coun. Peter Demong said this could lead to seniors isolating themselves at home.
“There are other social benefits that we offer when we accommodate seniors on transit,” he said.
City staff will amend the report and present it for discussion at a July 18 committee meeting.
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