Growing need for Multi-Governmental Operational Transit Funding across Canadian Cities

Canadian Mayors, the Canadian Urban Transit Authority and citizens express a need for more multi-government operational funds and revenue streams to maintain affordable fares for a robust economy and quality of life. Mayor Sohi of Edmonton discusses emerging transit trends such as: increase in single ride fares vs. monthly passes, micro-mobility, working from home, demand for free transit and monthly subsided transit passes. "Edmonton mayor talks LRT funding strategy," CBC News, November 6th, 2024.

Free Transit is actually a thing, CBC News Radio, November 12th, 2024 highlights affordable fares make the difference between having to buy bread and milk. "Yuval Grinspun, CEO of Left Turn Right Turn, a transit consultancy in Toronto, says free transit can work in small- and medium-sized communities, but for larger ones, it's going to be an uphill climb. 

He says the problem is that fares count for so many large transit system budgets in Canada, that they can't be dropped without massive funding increases."

Meanwhile, transit operators across the country reexamine how to make the dollar go further by adapting their fare structure, routes and service hours to reflect how citizens are now using transit; impacting a growing concern how many will attend medical appointments, get to work and pay for groceries. As the news highlights, the Calgary Council meets next week to begin budget readjustments. "Some low-income transit pass users concerned over Calgary Budget shortfall," City TV News, November 13th, 2024.

Fair Calgary Community Voices awaits the outcome from an announcement of a $30 billion signed agreement over the next 10 years based on the July 18th, 2024 by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities stating it will help make transit affordable. We eagerly await what that may mean for the Province of Alberta and the City of Calgary for budget 2025-2029 when a newly elected council steps in.