Letter to the Editor — Free public transit worth considering
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The Sun’s coverage of discussions about funding for public transit raises the possibility of Brandon implementing a more dramatic improvement for riders of its bus system.
The NDP government is committed to providing free public transit for youth, but why not provide free public transit for everyone living in or visiting Brandon? North Americans love their cars, trucks and SUVs, but now it has gotten to the point where there are more vehicles than people.
But many people in Brandon are too young, too old, disabled, can’t afford to own a vehicle or just never took the opportunity to learn how to drive. They rely on public transit to go to school or work or shop or attend medical appointments or recreational events.
Brandon Transit buses cue at the downtown terminal. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun files)
Many cities in the U.S. and a few in Canada have implemented free public transit. Places like Orangeville, Ont., and Canmore, Alta., have adopted pilot projects or partially free public transit. Perhaps it is time for Brandon to do the same.
Years ago, when I worked in downtown Winnipeg, there was a special route serving the downtown and it was free. More recently, Winnipeg transit was free for attendees of the Grey Cup game.
All of the politicians running for office in Brandon should consider calling on the provincial government to help fund a pilot project which would provide free public transit in Brandon. This would be a boon for transit users, take cars and trucks off the streets, as well as helping the environment.
Free public transit also would eliminate the whole problem of fare disputes, which would reduce potential safety issues for drivers and passengers.
JAMES McALLISTER
Ajax, Ont.