Free transit? Forget it
City tables plan to fund bus service on heat, smog alert days
July 10, 2008
By Nicole MacIntyre
Councillor Sam Merulla’s proposal to offer free transit on two smog or heat alert days this summer died Thursday.
The transit plan lost on a split vote at council after staff said it would be difficult to implement in two months.
The city will look at the plan for next year.
Scott Stewart, general manager of public works, said transit staff would be flying on a “wing and a prayer” to make the project happen this summer.
“We’re going to struggle a little bit with the logistics.”
Staff had proposed to study the possibility of free transit on smog and heat alert days in the future. Merulla wanted to test drive the proposal for two days this summer as a pilot project.
“It’s incumbent on this council to get ahead of the curve,” said Merulla, who believes completely free transit is the way of the future. “We have a chance to be part of the solution or actually being the problem.”
Ancaster Councillor Lloyd Ferguson said it wouldn’t be responsible to support the $100,000 project when the city already has a deficit this year.
Dundas Councillor Russ Powers, who originally supported the pilot, said he agreed it wouldn’t be wise to start immediately and suggested staff bring back a report.
Council also directed staff to report back on several other transit projects, including free transit for special events and seniors. It also suggested increased waterfront shuttles.
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