Council to debate pilot project for low income transit riders
Posted Dec 18, 2013 07:39:18 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Metro Transit is proposing council adopt a pilot project that would see a bus pass program for low income riders.
The pilot program would offer 500 monthly passes at 50% off during a 6-month trial period.
Councillor Jennifer Watts told News 95.7 the transportation standing committee has been trying to boost ridership for some time and she believes this is one way that could be done.
“I think it’s a really interesting option to look at to encourage transit riders, to provide an opportunity for low income residents in our community to receive assistance to use the bus, and to really encourage new people to come onto the bus system,” explained Watts.
The program would give HRM the opportunity to evaluate interest, see how it would run, and how much it will cost.
Council will debate the program today during the beginning of Metro Transit budget talks.
If council approves the pilot project, staff will begin to look at funding and then come back in the new year with its final recommendation.
