The review cites safety concerns, financial pressures, and Calgary\u2019s changing urban landscape as the key reasons behind the proposed shift.<\/p>\n
The Free Fare Zone, stretching from Downtown West\u2013Kerby to City Hall\u2013Bow Valley College stations, was originally created in 1981 to boost accessibility and mobility in the city\u2019s core. But after 45 years, the administration says Calgary has evolved, and the program may no longer meet the needs of a growing city.<\/p>\n
Council requested a now completed review that points to safety as the primary driver behind the recommendation. Officials argue that requiring fares would give peace officers clearer authority to address disorder on trains and platforms. <\/p>\n
The report also notes that eliminating the zone could generate about $5 million annually for Calgary Transit.<\/p>\n
Roughly 5.4 million trips occur within the zone each year, and administration estimates 1.8 million boardings could disappear if fares are introduced.<\/p>\n
A public survey that was open from Feb. 16 to March 8 gathered feedback from Calgarians on the future of the service.<\/p>\n
Changes could be made as early as Aug. 1 if the committee approves the recommendation on Thursday.<\/p>\n
More transit changes<\/p>\n
Committee is also looking at how the future of transit fares could evolve as part of the ongoing Route Ahead strategy update.<\/p>\n
A new set of proposed fare principles would open the door to distance\u2011based pricing, time\u2011of\u2011day pricing, or premium surcharges for services such as express buses or airport routes. The same framework also considers expanding income\u2011based discounts to better match what riders can afford.<\/p>\n
Transit officials say these ideas stem from a growing funding gap as the system works to expand service, improve safety, and maintain reliable frequency.<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s rapid growth had city council recently rethinking whether a 90\u2011minute transit ticket<\/a> still gives riders enough time to get from one end of the city to the other.<\/p>\n Over the past year, Calgary Transit has increased the presence of peace officers on the system, targeting 7 to 10 minute response times as part of its safety focus.<\/p>\n While the concepts are being presented now, any actual fare changes remain years away. A full update to the Route Ahead strategy is expected in 2027, with more detailed recommendations to follow.<\/p>\n \t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n Add CityNews Calgary as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n
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