On November 26th City Council heard submissions from the public on a number of budget related issues, including a $6 million funding request from Calgary Transit to fund the Low Income Transit Pass until 2019. This funding is required to maintain the current fare structure of the Sliding Scale.
With the introduction of the Sliding Scale, the Low-Income Transit pass has surpassed all expectations of monthly pass sales, far exceeding the previous “one price” monthly pass. The program has doubled in size in the past two years. Results form City of Calgary survey of customers in the fall of 2017 showed that a more affordable monthly pass:
Increases the ability of people living in poverty to visit family and friends, thereby creating and maintaining strong relationships and decreasing social isolation and loneliness.
Allows people living in extreme poverty to become more mobile and increase participation in the community.
Maintains physical health by allowing people to get to medical and professional appointments and go to recreational programs.
Allows people to access employment, puts more money in people’s pockets and enables them to purchase other necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, school supplies etc.
Other important benefits of the Sliding Scale include:
All members of the family are able to purchase a pass enabling them to travel together.
A recent study states transit tickets are the most common bylaw fine and an upstream approach is needed to reduce the number of people entering the justice system due to fare evasion fines.
Creates a more equitable and inclusive city and a community of engaged citizens.
Helps to alleviate stress and create an improved quality of life for people in poverty.
Contributes to long term goals of carbon reduction.
Calgarians were encouraged to write a letter to City Council in support of the Sliding Scale and send a copy to faircalgaryvoice@gmail.com. Public presentations were held on November 26th.
Contact information for your City Councillor is found at:
http://www.calgary.ca/citycouncil/Pages/citycouncil.aspx
Thank you for supporting affordable transportation in Calgary.