Support a sliding scale for the 'Low-Income Transit Pass' on September 11th

Fair Fares is asking for your support for a new fare strategy for the Low Income Transit pass based on income.  

Click here for the report summary 
And Click here for the proposal which can also be found on the City of Calgary website. 

The sliding scale will assist citizens living slightly above the poverty line and those living in extreme poverty to purchase a monthly pass. The face of poverty has changed since 1973 when city first introduced a transit subsidy and there are many more people who need affordable transit.  

Letters are needed by Friday, September 11th when the report is shared at the Standing Policy Committee "Community Protective Services."

Background

Fair Fare's recent survey showed that almost 40% of Calgarians who live in poverty pay per ride because they can't afford to pay $44.00 per month for the the 'Low-Income Transit Pass'.  Some people said they are walking and are having to chose between food and a ride on transit.  People are becoming more isolated because the cost of the pass is unaffordable. 

Families living in poverty are definitely finding it difficult to purchase passes for themselves and their children to attend school and work.  80% of the people surveyed also said that people who live slightly above the poverty line should be eligible for a discount. 

"Currently, a single person making less than $23,861 a year qualifies for discounted transit pass. Do you think that people whose income is slightly above the poverty line should also qualify for a discounted transit pass? i.e. Use a "Sliding scale" instead of a fixed dollar amount for those people whose income is slightly above the poverty line?"

Call for letter of Support:  

We are asking for letters of support to City Councillors or to come and share your story in the council chamber why a sliding scale will help Calgarians in need. Letters of support can be emailed to the chair and co-chair of the Standing Policy Committee of "Community Protective Services" before September 11th. 

Email the councillors using the City website, please click on the links below. 

Chair - Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart, 
and Co-Chair Councillor Evan Wooley 

Call 3-1-1 to leave a message. 

In person
If you are able to come in person on Friday, September 11th at the Old City Hall in the basement in the Engineering Traditions Boardroom beginning at 9:30 am. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bonnie Pacaud at Bonnie Pacaud 403.702.0204 or Colleen Huston at 403.717.7630

Thank you for your help and continued support.