WHEREAS the City of Winnipeg has made a significant effort to reduce mobility barriers with free transit for children 11 and under, and the low-income bus pass program;

WHEREAS the City of Winnipeg has made a significant effort to reduce mobility barriers with free transit for children 11 and under, and the low-income bus pass program;

WHEREAS public transportation has the potential to be a way to help solve climate change, income inequality gaps and addressing racial disparities, as well as traffic and congestion problems;

WHEREAS without a functioning transit system that is reliable, affordable, and accessible to all, transportation is in reality a barrier to all of those opportunities;

AND WHEREAS the COVID 19 pandemic has decreased ridership by up to 72% in April 2020 and continues have decreased ridership to an average of 59% by year-end;

AND WHEREAS a more affordable transit system could increase and promote transit ridership and stimulate spending in the local economy;

AND WHEREAS many community-based organizations have identified affordability of transportation as a barrier to community involvement in employment, community programming and accessing health care;

AND WHEREAS seniors on a fixed income find current Transit Senior Fare to still be unaffordable;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Winnipeg Public Service be concurred in, with the following amendment:

• Add the following new Recommendation 12 and renumbering the remaining accordingly:

“12. That the Winnipeg Public Service be directed to:

A. Report back to the Standing Committee within 365 days on the following:

i. The proposed simplified fare structure as set out in Section 8.3 of the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan; and

ii. A plan to reduce the cash transit fare by approximately $0.25 cents annually, beginning January 1, 2023, until such time as the cash fare is $1.00, and include an analysis of the effect on revenues, capital and operating costs, and ridership.

B. Provide quarterly verbal updates to the Standing Committee on Recommendation 12.A. beginning in June, 2021.”