Absurdity

There are many changes to our transit network starting this month, with a spine and feeder system being implemented across the city. I am sure that many adjustments will be needed to tweak such a massive change to our current system but now can be the time to revolutionize how we view our Winnipeg Transit system overall. Transit should not be viewed as a business, but as a public service our municipal government provides to us. Let’s work towards better achieving that ideal as a universal service to the people of Winnipeg.

We should look at abolishing user fees and have it as a system where you can embark, transfer where needed, and disembark freely. No need for cards, tickets, transfers, payment systems, arguments with drivers, “freeloaders”, just a simple process of getting on at a stop and finding a spot. This would truly connect this city in an accessible way that does not increase our infrastructure load. Rather it would reduce our load as it would encourage people to use public transit instead of their own personal vehicles. We complain of all the traffic, but we need to remember that we are traffic, the less drivers the less wear and tear, the smaller the traffic jams, the more people we can commute in a quick and efficient manner with less cost per person. It may be a seismic upheaval of our current thoughts on how we view transit, but removing user fees will create a more equitable, efficient, and cheap system.

Residents already help fund transit through transfers from general revenue from the city. Transit users however are asked to pay more the more they ride. This structure makes sense for activities we want to discourage, such as vices including tobacco use and alcohol consumption. However, it does not make sense for something we want to encourage, like public transit. User fees create a barrier to a service that should be accessible and universal to all.

This also introduces unnecessary complexity in the form of a payment structure, processing fees, fare boxes, and systems to collect money. We are currently looking at a new payment system that would cost over $ 10 million to set up in our city. This does not include ongoing bank and processing fees.

By removing barriers to access, we can guarantee an increase in ridership. Without user fees, low-income individuals will not have to worry about affording a fare. This will make them more employable, as transportation will not longer be a barrier to opportunity. They will be able to do a grocery trip easier, to enjoy our beautiful city and its events easier. The ability to travel freely without worry or stress can change a person’s frame of mind.

One of the most common complaints I hear about Winnipeg Transit is that some people ride for free. That is, why should they pay when others do not? Instead of focusing on enforcement, we should eliminate fares all together. This would remove the stigma and frustration by making transit free for everyone and funded collectively as a public good.

Currently, user fees account for approximately 35 percent of Winnipeg Transit’s revenue, or about $83 million as of 2023. $102 million is from general revenue, and the rest comes from advertising, provincial grants, and other revenue streams. This means we are already covering most of the cost through other revenue streams than an user fee. By maintaining a user fee, we are disproportionately asking lower-income individuals to shoulder the remaining cost. While people from all income levels use the transit system, the majority of riders are from lower-income groups.

Eliminating user fees would not only reduce this inequity but also save the city money by removing the need for fare collection infrastructure and payment processing systems. It would address one of the most significant challenges facing our transit system today and help create a more equitable network. Additionally, it would improve safety for transit operators, who would no longer be required to act as fare enforcers.

This change will save us money in increased efficiencies, less systems, less idle time, less wear and tear on our roads. It will create a more equitable universal network that promises to service all of the people in our city regardless of income level. We can be ahead of the curve as more Canadian cities transition to a fareless model such as Orangeville, ON or Canmore, AB. As we move forward with changes to our system, let’s use this opportunity to reimagine every part of Winnipeg Transit, let’s bring Universal Transit to Winnipeg.