Ride Transit and Leisure Access Pass Motion
Recently I put forward the following motion regarding Ride Transit and Leisure Access Passes:
That Administration provide a short summary report on the Ride Transit and Leisure Access Programs as well as the current program to allow youth to travel free with a fare-paying customer. This report is to include:
The overall usage and cost of these programs.
The changes made to eligibility over the past two terms.
Any other measures that have been considered in place of low-income cut off (LICO) to determine eligibility for those programs.
Opportunities to expand the current scale to include more Edmontonians and an estimate of anticipated costs. This should also include an analysis of expanding these programs to First Nations around the Edmonton Region working in partnership with other orders of government.
Opportunities to allow youth 12 and under to travel on ETS for free without a fare-paying customer as well as the opportunity to open that up to those 18 and under.
The first four sections of this motion are applicable to the Leisure Access Program. For those who are unaware of what the Leisure Access Program is, the Leisure Access Program provides free unlimited access to participating facilities and includes discounts on registered programs (day camps, art classes, swimming lessons, etc.)
The qualifications for the Leisure Access Program are as follows:
Currently on AISH
Have an income below the low income threshold
Recently landed immigrant or refugee
Not a full-time student at the University of Alberta, NAIT or Macewan University, unless you have children.
Those a part of the Leisure Access Program are able to:
Access eligible City of Edmonton facilities and attractions (see the back of this brochure) at no cost, including drop-in and instructor-led programs
Register for programs and get 75% off of the fee
Adults and seniors can register for 3 programs and each child can register for 4 programs at the discounted fee.
My hope with this motion is that we review the eligibility metrics for the program and can potentially expand the eligibility for the Leisure Access Program. Community hubs such as libraries and recreation centers are truly the center of communities. They provide a place to gather and enjoy our city with an emphasis on health and well-being.
For newcomers, parents, youth, and people of all ages and demographics, our amenities are able to offer programs that would be inaccessible otherwise. And when speaking with members of the community there is an appreciation for our programs and amenities. The deep appreciation for these programs, especially from those who are eligible for the Leisure Access Program, comes from the gratitude that it is one of the few places in the city they can go to without having to pay for anything. Being able to review the program eligibility and potentially expand the eligibility will make our communities even stronger and promote a healthy lifestyle that can be accessible to everyone.
In my 2021 platform, there are two sections that are applicable to the Ride Transit section of this motion that I would like to see come to fruition, expanding transit in Edmonton and empowering youth to build our city.
In a city as large and as diverse as Edmonton, we need to have a multitude of affordable and reliable transportation options. One of those options needs to be a robust public transit system. Transit is necessary because some people cannot drive, cannot afford to drive, or choose not to drive.
Having an efficient and accessible transit system is critical to the long-term success of a city because high-quality public transportation:
Gives people options;
Is environmentally friendly;
Reduces congestion;
Connects people;
Attracts investment;
Makes Edmonton a more equitable city;
Is fundamental to large urban cities.
In my platform I outlined, ”If re-elected as your Councillor, I will work to ensure public transit is as affordable for users as possible.” This means we have to take the sliding scale approach we currently offer for our Seniors Bus Pass and expand that to other categories of people. Those with the greatest need will then be provided with the most significant discount.
As for empowering youth to build our city, we must remove barriers to allow young Edmontonians to fully connect and participate in the city today so that they stay and become part of our economy and enrich our city in the future.
As soon as I was elected in 2013, I became the council advisor on the City of Edmonton Youth Council (CEYC). CEYC is made up of youth ages 13-23 who provide policy recommendations to Edmonton City Council. While other cities may have youth councils, it is rare for them to make policy recommendations directly to City Council. Attending meetings of CEYC is easily one of the best things I was able to do because every month, I was inspired by these leaders who are helping to build an even better city.
In this section of my platform I outlined that, “If re-elected I will put forward a motion to provide free transit to youth 12 and under regardless of whether a fare-paying customer accompanies them.”
While walking, biking, or using public transit are typical modes of transportation for the under 12 demographic in other countries, for a variety of reasons that is not the case in North America. In part with this motion, I hope this motion adds to the culture of using our transit system.
As well, we know that the pandemic has impacted transit ridership. We have been seeing issues with transit safety and a way to mitigate that is by getting more people back on the transit system. Having more people on transit means more people looking out for one another and an increased sense of safety.
Our residents deserve to have safe, accessible mobility options so that they can live an engaging and healthy life that is not hindered by financial costs.
