Dear LPT Committee and Council Members,
Thank you for your continued discussion on a transit fare strategy for the city that is fair to all Calgarians. The City of Calgary led the way in creating the low-income transit pass and, as we all know, this initiative has meant access to transit for thousands of Calgarians who could not otherwise afford to use public transportation.
We write to you today as you consider the report and recommendations before you to provide direction for funding future transit service. Our main concern is for the maintenance of the low-income transit pass; that it is increasingly affordable to low-income Calgarians; that it is available to those who need it most; and that the process for accessing the pass is as efficient and as fair as possible.
In particular, we have noted that recommendations b) and d) may impact the cost of the low-income transit pass and we would like to encourage the committee to commit to maintaining or reducing the cost of the low-income pass. Please recall that Calgarians accessing this pass are living on income lower than 75% of the Low Income Cut-Off, very deep poverty.
We also note that recommendation g) is an excellent opportunity to examine options for administration and eligibility requirements of the pass. While the pass itself is a welcome addition to the transit fare strategy, we know that the monthly access to the pass is cumbersome and that the eligibility requirements are restrictive for some who need the pass (such as new immigrants). As always, we are available and eager to provide consultation for alternative eligibility and proof requirements that would meet the city’s needs for accountability and fairness.
Thank you for your time.
Dan Meades
Director,
Vibrant Communities Calgary
dan@vibrantcalgary.com
Committee Members include: Alderman A. Chabot, Alderman D. Hodges, Alderman G-C. Carra, Alderman R. Jones, Alderman S. Keating, Alderman J. Mar, Alderman R. Pootmans, and Mayor N. Nenshi, Ex-Officio
