The future of Hamilton's public transit

[SteelTown]

Free bus rides on smog, heat days
Two-day pilot project to gauge effect

July 09, 2008
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator

City buses will be free on smog and heat alert days this summer -- but only twice under a penny-pinching proposal.

Councillor Sam Merulla, who believes year-round free transit is inevitable, won preliminary support for his smog pilot yesterday.

"You can't put a price tag on public health and the environment," said Merulla, adding the initiative will help the city's most marginalized residents.

The $100,000 pilot, which narrowly passed 4-3 at committee yesterday, must still be approved by council in the face of a budget crunch.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger believes the pilot isn't affordable this year.

"In a perfect world, we would all want it. There's a budget reality we have to face."

Each day of free transit costs $50,000 to $60,000 in lost fares. The city's downtown had seven days when the air quality was poor and no heat alerts last year.

Merulla originally requested free transit on all smog and heat days, but backed off when staff explained there was no money for the plan. The city is already $7.6 million over budget this year because of energy costs and snow clearing.

A two-day pilot -- which staff don't know how the city would implement yet -- will help gauge the ridership benefits, said Merulla.

Windsor, in partnership with Environment Canada, offered free transit during smog days in 2003. Ridership went up 30 to 40 per cent during the pilot that lasted a month before the budget was used up.

Hamilton's smog program, along with other free transit proposals, will be back on the table at next year's budget deliberations. Staff will be presenting several options, such as free transit one day a week or free designated routes.

Eliminating fares completely would cost taxpayers an extra $31 million a year. Councillors showed no interest yesterday in adopting a free system in the near future.

The cost would be "unfathomable and unreasonable" for taxpayers, said Councillor Tom Jackson.

But Merulla believes it is just a matter of time before cities across North America offer free transit.

"It's going to be based on necessity," he said, citing high gas prices and poor air quality. Merulla added he's been flooded with media inquires from across the country and states about his free transit idea.

"It's created a buzz about what's happening in Hamilton," agreed Councillor Chad Collins.

[SteelTown]

No such thing as a free bus ride

July 09, 2008
Andrew Dreschel
The Hamilton Spectator

Let's hope fiscal conservative councillors like Lloyd Ferguson and Robert Pasuta are out in force at tomorrow morning's council meeting.

If they're not, be prepared to see the city kiss $120,000 goodbye on little more than a feel-good whim.

That's roughly what it will cost taxpayers to provide free bus rides on two smog or heat days this summer, an idea approved at the committee level in a 4-3 vote yesterday.

The spur of the moment wienie was cooked up by Councillor Sam Merulla and wolfed down by Chad Collins, Bob Bratina and Russ Powers.

It passed in the face of opposition from Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Margaret McCarthy and Tom Jackson, who, quite reasonably, wanted to defer discussions about any new transit fare discounts

until the '09 budget.

It also passed despite acting city manager Joe Rinaldo's warning that the city is already facing a $7.6-million budget shortfall next year.

Will the two fare-free days be chosen at random?

How will the public be notified when the free rides are in effect?

Can the HSR make up the sudden loss of revenue?

Bad enough none of these basic questions were debated, worse still that not a single councillor had the wit or presence of mind to ask senior staff what they thought of the idea.

So much for careful planning and co-ordinated policy.

Mind you, the squandering could have been much worse.

Merulla originally wanted to provide free bus service for a total of seven smog days this summer.

He capriciously based that proposal on nothing more substantial than a shot-from-the-saddle guess from Scott Stewart, general manager of public works, as to how many smog days might be expected.

(There were 31 smog advisories all last year.)

Merulla scaled back his scheme after Stewart noted it would cost $50,000 to $60,000 a day to provide the freebie and, yes, his department is already in a deficit situation.

The helpless glance exchanged between Stewart and Rinaldo as Merulla's two-day idea gained traction was almost poetic.

Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why ...

This is not to say that free transit on smog days is a bad idea.

As staff pointed out, when Windsor did it as pilot project in 2003, they reported increased ridership of 30 per cent to 40 per cent over four smog days and had to add extra buses to meet the demand.

Windsor's month-long program, however, wasn't the result of a passing fancy or quirk. It was planned ahead of time by the city and co-funded by Environment Canada.

Merulla may be on to something with the broader concept, but his rush to implementation is too devil-may-care to inspire confidence.

If, however, his proposal is ratified by council tomorrow, there will be one small perk buried in the knee-jerk splurge.

Never again will we have to take seriously Collins' budget-time lectures about fiscal responsibility.

It was Collins who seconded Merulla's proposal.

It's Collins' reputation as a fiscal watchdog that's now hovering on the brink.

[flar]

I think this is a waste of money, so I hope they study it very closely to see whether and how it increases ridership. My guess is that there will be a minor increase in ridership as people without cars (who would normally use the bus anyway) take advantage of the free service to run a few extra errands. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't believe that saving $2.40 will be an incentive for people to ditch their cars on smog days.

[FairHamilton]

I think most of the increase will be a result of people replacing walking, they will jump a free bus for one or two stops. That will obviously help with our image as the fattest city .

I just want to know how they are going to credit my monthly pass for the free day. Or, are monthly pass holders the only ones who will have paid on a free day??

It goes to show it's the same in Hamilton as in Toronto, monthly pass holders, who are the dedicated transit riders, are treated without consideration........

[SteelTown]

The poverty reduction committee has been pushing to have free transit during heat alert days so that people can take a bus to the cooling stations. Free transit during smog days does make sense.

I would support free transit from July until Labour Day. If you read the report it says it would cost $50,000 a week to provide free transit from July to Labour Day so that would be about $450,000 a year. Yet on the news they are saying it'll cost $50,000 a day for free transit so it's a bit confusing.

[raisethehammer]

Andrew Dreschel needs to stick it.
When will he write a piece suggesting road tolls as a viable idea.

I love this idea of free transit on smog/heat days. Hopefully they can plan it for next year.

[matt602]

I was just going to say. Another crappy, biased article from Dreschel. Go back to writing your LIUNA ass kissing Lister Block pieces.

[adam]

There won't be any significant increase in ridership for the 2 days. People's habits change gradually over time. How are they going to make sure that people who are impoverished and need this service the most hear about it? Door to door?

I just hope they don't say "See! We offered 2 free days and ridership didn't increase... therefore we should not build light rail." On the surface, that argument seems logical, but people change how they do things gradually over time. 2 days is not enough to see any changes at all. And the amount of money people will save for riding transit over 2 days is negligible. They might be able to buy a couple extra coffees from Tim Horton's with the money they saved. That's all..

[SteelTown]

Free transit? Forget it

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.

[MsMe]

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.

[email protected]
905-526-3299

[FairHamilton]

Oh well, I guess my Letter to the Editor to be published in tomorrows Spec is now moot.............

[drpgq]

Does the HSR publish monthly ridership stats anywhere? I've read plenty of articles in US papers trumpeting public transit increases with the increasing cost of gas over the past two years. Seems like a gimme article for the Spec to write, although I might have missed it.

[omro]

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

Oh well, I guess my Letter to the Editor to be published in tomorrows Spec is now moot.............

You should still put a copy here regardless.

[FairHamilton]

Originally Posted by omro

You should still put a copy here regardless.

Here ya go.

The Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton
(Jul 11, 2008)
Re: 'Free bus rides on smog, heat days; Two-day pilot project to gauge effect' (July 9, 2008)

I'm encouraged with new transit initiatives and applaud any advancement that makes public transit more accessible. But I can't help but wonder where Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) monthly transit pass holders fit into the recently announced free transit pilot.

HSR monthly transit pass holders pay in advance for the right to ride buses every day for an entire month.

If days are made "free" during the month, then the monthly pass holders are essentially the only ones paying to ride HSR on the "free" days.

Unfortunately, it appears the city has overlooked the loyal HSR monthly transit pass holders. Hopefully, that will be one of the findings from the pilot program.

[omro]

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

Here ya go.

The Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton
(Jul 11, 2008)
Re: 'Free bus rides on smog, heat days; Two-day pilot project to gauge effect' (July 9, 2008)

I'm encouraged with new transit initiatives and applaud any advancement that makes public transit more accessible. But I can't help but wonder where Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) monthly transit pass holders fit into the recently announced free transit pilot.

HSR monthly transit pass holders pay in advance for the right to ride buses every day for an entire month.

If days are made "free" during the month, then the monthly pass holders are essentially the only ones paying to ride HSR on the "free" days.

Unfortunately, it appears the city has overlooked the loyal HSR monthly transit pass holders. Hopefully, that will be one of the findings from the pilot program.

You make a valid point.

[HAMRetrofit]

Wgas?

[markbarbera]

I think monthly passes are sold as more of a convenience item than anything else, and are significantly cheaper than 30 days of cash fares.

While it may seem unfair to passholders to offer a free fare day when they've already prepaid, it's really not unreasonable to do so. And, if the montly passholder really feels he may be potentially cheated by summer months full of smog days, then refrain from buying a pass and pay as you go during July and August. Guess it all depends on how 'lucky' one feels about the number of potential smog days for the month.

Monthly passholders already anjoy an economic advantage in the generous income tax credit made available to them. In fact, one could counter-argue that it isn't fair that those who pay as they ride aren't offered a similar type of refund. It all would balance out in the end.

[FairHamilton]

Originally Posted by markbarbera

I think monthly passes are sold as more of a convenience item than anything else, and are significantly cheaper than 30 days of cash fares.

While it may seem unfair to passholders to offer a free fare day when they've already prepaid, it's really not unreasonable to do so. And, if the montly passholder really feels he may be potentially cheated by summer months full of smog days, then refrain from buying a pass and pay as you go during July and August. Guess it all depends on how 'lucky' one feels about the number of potential smog days for the month.

Monthly passholders already anjoy an economic advantage in the generous income tax credit made available to them. In fact, one could counter-argue that it isn't fair that those who pay as they ride aren't offered a similar type of refund. It all would balance out in the end.

On this one, if you don't like my opinion please write a letter to the editor as that's the forum for that discussion. It was only posted here on the request of another user, and I won't defend my opinion here except to say that many who use the transit to get to and from work only ride about 20-22 days per month and the pass cost the same as tickets.

BTW, without looking it up do you have any idea on how much the 'generous' tax credit is for the the pass? Yeah, I didn't think so because it's not generous. If those that pay-as-they ride want a 15% tax credit (yes that generous 15%) they should lobby their MP and be prepared to keep all their ticket receipts in case like me this year they get audit for the deduction. Yes, CRA audited me for a $175 transit credit..............

[omro]

OK, I thought I'd get my calculator out :-)

This is from the myhamilton.ca website:

ADULT

Cash (EXACT FARE) $ 2.40
Ticket $ 1.85 (5 for $9.25)
Monthly Pass $ 79.00

Indulge my little scenario:

Assuming that you only use HSR transit on Monday - Friday for work, every week in the year, no holidays.

Doing a yearly average: 52 weeks a year, 5 working days per week:

2 tickets per day = $1.85 x 2 x 5 x 52 = $962
12 monthly passes = $79 x 12 = $948
Annually that's only a $14 difference.

If you take a few weeks holiday a year, a few sick days, etc - you're clearly better off buying tickets in this scenario.

If you use HSR transit 365 days a year then:

2 tickets per day = $1.85 x 2 x 365 = $1350.5
12 monthly passes = $79 x 12 = $948
Annually that's a $402.5 difference

So in this instance you're better off buying passes.

Of course this is a very basic example, if you make more than two trips (outside of the range of transfers) on HSR on most days then you're better off getting the monthly pass in any scenario.

To give you a little across the pond example, using my commute which is a London Zone 1-3 monthly pass (there are 6 zones), so you can see how you stack up:

Oystercard single fare is £2.50 peak 07:00-19:00 or £2.00 at other times. The cash fare for a single is £4.00.

TfL doesn't offer transfer tickets, but does have daily, weekly and annual passes, however all the fares vary depending which zones you travel to and from.

Doing a yearly average: 52 weeks a year, 5 working days per week:

2 tickets per day = £2.50 x 2 x 5 x 52 = £1300
12 monthly passes = £109.10 x 12 = £1309.2
Annually that's only a £9 difference.

If you use TfL 365 days a year then:

2 tickets per day = (£2.50 x 2 x 5 x 52) + (£2.00 x 2 x 2 x 52) = £1300 + £416 = £1716
12 monthly passes = £109.10 x 12 = £1309.2
Annually that's a £406.8 difference

Now, since I have no car and live 4 streets away from a tube station and bus station, I use my Oystercard easily more than twice a day, throughout the day, so it's cost effective for me to have a monthly pass.

TfL offers only one half day free, which is New Year's Eve. From 6pm onwards all transit is free sponsored by a corporation which gets tons of advertising across the various networks. Last year I think it was NatWest (One of the big four banks).

[markbarbera]

My first return claiming the transit tax credit was also 'audited'. Actually, whenever an electronic filing is made that includes this claim, a follow up request for supporting documents is automatic. So yes, I am intimately familiar with the transit tax credit process, and yes I would consider it generous. After all, $175 would cover 72 cash-fare rides on the HSR.

Omro, are you an accountant? Very well illustrated fare examples in your post. One thing you may not have seen, and a little-known added-value bonus for all fellow GO Transit commuters. If you buy a monthly GO pass at the Hamilton GO Centre, you can get an HSR add-on for the pass (fancy sticker pasted to the front of the pass) for $15, entitling you to unlimited HSR travel for the month as well. A real deal, considering that to do the same in TO would cost you the full price of both GO and TTC passes. And you can include the HSR add-on in your income tax transit pass credit too.