Calgary Transit is asking residents to weigh in on the future of the downtown Free Fare Zone, a long\u2011standing feature of the city\u2019s CTrain system that has allowed riders to travel along 7 Avenue at no cost for more than four decades.<\/p>\n
The Free Fare Zone, which stretches from Downtown West\u2013Kerby to City Hall\u2013Bow Valley College stations, was introduced in 1981 to support accessibility and mobility in the city\u2019s core.<\/p>\n
But officials now say Calgary has changed significantly since then, prompting a review of whether the program still meets the needs of a growing and evolving city.<\/p>\n
The public survey, open from Feb. 16 to March 8, invites Calgarians to share their experiences and opinions on the service. The city says the feedback will help determine the value of the Free Fare Zone and guide future fare options, not only downtown but across the entire transit network.<\/p>\n
Many riders interviewed say the free service makes commuting easier and encourages people to visit businesses along the corridor.<\/p>\n
Others believe it may be time to reconsider how the zone is funded, especially as Calgary Transit seeks ways to protect and sustain long-term revenue.<\/p>\n
City officials say all input gathered through the survey will play a key role in shaping the next phase of Calgary\u2019s transit system.<\/p>\n