12-19-2025, 03:34 PM
Does anyone else have a problem with this:
“Region to launch pilot offering free transit for seniors”
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/12/18...r-seniors/
Why is this targeting seniors? I feel a lot of our younger and poor residents are in much bigger need of this type of support. Medical appointments and grocery shopping are important, but that applies to a lot of other people including parents. And add to that there’s a lot of people that rely on public transit to get to their minimum wage jobs who can use the help.
And then:
I’m super skeptical it’s going to increase revenues, but even if it did… wouldn’t that apply to all of your demographics other than seniors too? Like if this is the expected result… do it for everyone and make more money!
I’d much rather a real pilot for everyone or else something income tested. I guess age is a lot easier to verify but still feels like we could get something that works.
“Region to launch pilot offering free transit for seniors”
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/12/18...r-seniors/
Why is this targeting seniors? I feel a lot of our younger and poor residents are in much bigger need of this type of support. Medical appointments and grocery shopping are important, but that applies to a lot of other people including parents. And add to that there’s a lot of people that rely on public transit to get to their minimum wage jobs who can use the help.
And then:
Quote:Acting Commissioner of Transportation Doug Spooner warned of revenue loss with the program, estimating the region could lose as much as $250,000 based on the number of seniors who already take transit.
A handful of councillors, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, stressed the program in other municipalities has led to people taking the bus more frequently.
“The pilot actually led to people using transit on the non-free days as well because they got used to it, and that ultimately could lead to increased revenues going forward.”
I’m super skeptical it’s going to increase revenues, but even if it did… wouldn’t that apply to all of your demographics other than seniors too? Like if this is the expected result… do it for everyone and make more money!
I’d much rather a real pilot for everyone or else something income tested. I guess age is a lot easier to verify but still feels like we could get something that works.