Those against ending Calgary Transit’s Free Fare Zone say it hurts low-income groups

The Calgary Transit Free Fare Zone in the downtown core may not remain free for much longer, but the proposed removal is getting pushback from those who rely on the service.

Waiting for a ride at the City Hall/Bow Valley College Station, RF says the free fare zone helps him get around for his daily tasks.

“I’m able to go and take a shower without walking for hours and hours in a day, or go and get water, food, and seeing people I need to see throughout the day,” he told CityNews.

The CTrain free fare zone in Calgary extends from the Downtown West/Kerby station to City Hall, and from City Hall/Bow Valley College to 7 Street station.

The notice of motion to end the free fare zone starting on Aug. 1 was discussed at the City’s Infrastructure and Planning Committee meeting on Thursday.

Many appeared to speak on the matter, including Rowan Wiebe, who supports the zone being free.

“Trying to say, ‘Well, you know, transit should not be a homeless shelter.’ Yeah, we know. Everybody knows,” Wiebe said.

“But ya’ll aren’t funding anything else, so that’s where we go. And throwing more cops at it — I’m not saying cops never solve problems, but they aren’t solving this one.”

According to a public opinion survey, most people support the free fare zone, and a downtown business survey found that around 85 per cent of those surveyed say its removal would negatively affect their business.

However, the motion passed 7-4, and it will now go before council.

The free fare zone was created 45 years ago to increase ridership and mobility in the city’s core.

TD Bank recently sponsored the project, but after it ended late last year, a report by the city administration recommended ending the free ride, mainly due to growing safety concerns on transit.

“I’ll have to spend a significant amount more time walking. You know, I got blisters on my feet already. It’s already exhausting enough having to deal with how it feels being homeless on a day-to-day basis,” RF said.

Alpha House Society, which works with individuals affected by alcohol and other substance dependencies, wanted to address the discussion and its impacts.

“Because we do hear comments on occasion about the safety of public transit and the population that Alpha House works with, we would like to briefly say that street-involved individuals will still find ways to use transit even without the Free Fare Zone,” a Facebook post reads.

“If your opinion about the zone is in any way shaped by the idea that your commute will now be free of homeless individuals or those struggling with addiction and under the influence, you will be disappointed.

“The removal of the Free Fare Zone would only negatively impact low-income and vulnerable populations who are already in need of support and risk more people moving towards poverty and homelessness.”

In response, the city says the issue will go before council on May 26, and they will speak to the matter after it has been debated.