M. Goetzke introduced the report, providing an overview of the proposed fare changes. He shared that following concerns expressed by Council, the Affordable Transit Program (ATP) discount level was raised from 48% to 50%, which would cancel any fare changes for individuals and families that are eligible for the program.
In response to the Committee, M. Goetzke shared that the youth fares were considered as part of the family day pass and extending that to everyday, as the family pass is currently only for weekends and holidays. He also noted that affordability rationale for senior discounts is a bit tricky and that staff are offering to conduct and evaluate a longer review of senior discounts, to consider the broader benefits, and will bring back to the Committee as part of the business plan, for consideration.
Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer explained that $272,500 is the impact on the budget if the 2.5% fare increase is not implemented, net of any ridership changes. C. Dyer further noted that the tax levy would then become the source of revenue, if not generating the revenue through fares.
The Committee shared their concern that direction provided to Staff, to propose an age based pilot, does not appear to be captured in the report.
In response to the Committee, M. Goetzke noted that Staff do not have a large body of evidence in order to give a good estimate as to if the two free transit days will generate significant ridership, and that Staff looked at it from a revenue loss perspective.
The Committee directed Staff to provide a report on the potential options to consider a year pilot project for free transit fares for children under 12, a one-day a week free transit fares for seniors over 65, and Museum considerations for Students as per the public request and to investigate the possibility of reserve funding opportunities. Staff are directed to maintain the Affordable Transit Program in consideration of the pilot project.