Why I’m fighting for fare-free public transit Buses and trains are a public good, just like roads, writes Shawn Menard.

What if no one had to pay for public transit?

Ottawa’s public transit system certainly has its share of shortcomings. But the biggest problem preventing an efficient transit system is that we have never thought of our public transit as a truly essential public service.

We don’t need to dig though our pockets to find change before we can enter a library and we certainly are never expected to find exact change before we drive on Ottawa’s ever-expanding public road system. Just like libraries, sidewalks and parks, a free and efficient transit system would operate for the common good.

Currently, transit fares don’t come close to covering expenses and the public is left paying twice — once in taxes and once in fares — to subsidize a substandard service.

OC Transpo’s ever-increasing fares are some of the highest in North America. Women represent the majority of public transit users and are disproportionately affected by high fares. And our city’s Dickensian policies squeeze money from the most marginalized in our community: The (un)affordable EquiPass will cost someone living below the poverty line almost $700 a year.

And the thing is a fare-free transit system leaves us all better off — even if you don’t use it.

Jurisdictions with free transit have seen increases in ridership, reduced commuting times, lower greenhousegas emissions and better service. A free system also offers savings through decreases in fare enforcement and collection costs; imagine what could be done with the millions the city spends each year on the Presto system.

Those who take a narrow view of public transit ask how we can possibly pay for transit without squeezing the riders. This question is never asked when we talk about expanding road infrastructure, for which we pay $50 million a year.

We don’t ask our roads to make profits. Why treat public transit differently?

Free transit would make our city safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Accessible public transit would increase access to employment and participation in the social, political and cultural life of the city. Equitable and reliable public transit is a public good.

Changing the old ways at city hall won’t happen overnight. We can start with free bus routes along Bank Street. We can start by guaranteeing free transit to those who need it the most but can’t afford it.

I have promised to fight for our city and that fight must include a move to a truly free and a truly public transit plan. Shawn Menard, a former senior staffer for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is a candidate in Capital ward for Ottawa city council. Follow him at twitter.com/ Shawnmenard1 or at www.shawnmenard.ca