01-03-2026, 07:44 AM
(01-02-2026, 08:16 AM)MidTowner Wrote:(01-01-2026, 01:23 AM)Bob_McBob Wrote: I heard multiple drivers calling in to ask if they were supposed to be doing free rides for NYE on the scanner. And ION security calling in name checks for fare evaders as late as 11:40pm. Surely they have something better to do tonight. It's embarrassing.
That is nuts. Free transit on New Year's Eve is practically a tradition in North America by now. Driving under the influence is still very much an issue, and giving people more easy options to get home safely is a good thing.
As with other initiatives to increase access, it's also good sales and marketing.
I was thinking on New Year's Eve, additionally, the weather was bad. I know there is little chance of this happening here in Waterloo Region, but there is nothing stopping GRT from offering fare-free rides during inclement weather. If they are planning on running the Ion, but the police services are telling people to avoid traveling by car if possible, I think it would make sense to let people board without a fare.
Free fares during inclement weather is actually a bad idea. You take a rush hour when transit is already busy, and dump a bunch more people on that don’t normally take it, while collecting no additional fares. So the version of transit that the new people see is the worst version of it, and you can’t really take the sudden surge anyway. Additionally, loyal customers who are already using a monthly pass get no benefit whatsoever, and in fact get worse service due to the extra people.
Free fares on New Year’s, by contrast, is a great idea. It’s not rush hour, so you’re not further overburdening the system. And since it’s planned, you can run sufficient service to meet the need.