Would reduced fares help?

A mayoral candidate in the election is concerned that a fare reduction for transit users was not part of the plan rolled out this week.

Scott Raible says the idea of a fare reduction has been shared with members of council “both in letters to the editor and directly with them by myself and others in the community over the past term.”

As someone who used to be an avid transit user and someone whose family still relies on public transit, Raible says he is advocating for a “daily family pass fare.” The reduced rate encourages families to use transit and helps address the cost factor for students, children and seniors. Currently there is only a reduction in the rate per ride if you buy a monthly pass.

To reach a bus stop near her home, council candidate Maureen Roberts says it means a 1.3 km walk. While walking may not be a problem in the summer it will be a different story in the middle of winter. Roberts feels the transit system is flawed.

“I am disappointed that an important public service has been altered which directly impacts our community and its ability to allow its citizens to function as productive participants in the City of Medicine Hat’s success and in their ability to complete tasks and daily routines,” said Roberts.

Phil Turnbull, candidate for council, says the delays experienced this week as the new transit system was rolled out, affected work placement students from Medicine Hat College. They arrived late for work because the system was not running on time.

The city says the public, in the “financially fit” survey in June 2016, ranked transit services as the highest priority for “service adjustments” to offset property taxes. The city’s document also says in December 2016 council approved “formation of a detailed design to implement a revised Transit Services delivery model.” Between January and July this year, research, data review and consultation took place for the changes, the city’s document says.