Starting Feb. 1, 2013, handibus users will no longer pay almost twice the fare of traditional transit users — they will pay the same rate.
The standing committee on finance (SCOF), made up of all city councillors and the mayor, unanimously passed a transit fare strategy that will ensure individuals who use the handibuses aren’t paying more than other transit users.
“We’re pleased to be moving ahead,” said St. Albert Transit (StAT) director Bob McDonald.
The idea of equalizing fares across the whole transit system, especially for those with mobility issues, was one of the top recommendations that came out of a recent review of the handibus system.
Presently, individuals who use handibuses pay roughly twice the fare of an individual using a conventional bus. According to McDonald, the principle of equality was solidly embedded in the recent review.
“We’re providing public transit as a service to our citizens and we’re doing it this way to provide as equitable a service as we can for St. Albert residents,” said McDonald.
The measure won’t take effect until Feb. 1 — that’s because StAT won’t know what its fares for 2013 will be until after the budget process in the winter. But starting on that day, whatever fares are approved during the budget for single rides and tickets will also apply to individuals who use the handibus.
The move will likely bring with it a hit to StAT’s revenue. Of the $35,000 handibus is expected to bring in from fares, StAT will only collect half the revenue in subsequent years. As the handibus system does not presently have the capacity to add more trips, it is a loss the agency will have to incur.
“We’re kind of limited in capacity so we’re not expecting we’re going to be able to take a whole lot more trips,” McDonald said. The handibus review, however, does advocate adding more capacity to the system so more trips, especially trips into Edmonton, are possible.
Agencies that work with people with mobility issues, such as seniors and those with special needs, were pleased with St. Albert’s decision.
“I think that’s a great decision,” said Paul Fujishige, executive director of Transitions in St. Albert, a group that works with individuals with special needs. “Something that we’ve been concerned about in the past is that people with limited incomes have to pay more for transit than others. Many don’t have alternatives for transportation so I think some really rely on transit,” Fujishige said.
Fujishige didn’t have a number, but said a “high percentage” of Transitions’ clients use handibus service, as does the support staff who work with them.
“For some that have support, that need staff to assist them, they might be involved in helping them get to some places but they as well would be taking transit.”
Mayor Nolan Crouse pointed out the city already provides free fares for support staff of individuals who require assistance, as well as allow service animals on board, and that this is just one more step in creating an inclusive community.
“In my time on council, we have shown a lot of interest in showing, whether it be dog owners or caregivers riding for free or [Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped] recipients, in making sure there is fairness in the system,” Crouse said.
Chantelle Labrecque, executive director of the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club, said most clients take the club’s shuttle, but added any assistance for seniors is greatly appreciated.
“That’s good news for seniors,” Labrecque said. “Kudos to council for doing that. I think they recognize the need for transportation.”
