09-09-2019, 02:43 PM
GRT looks to scrap senior, student and low-income fares, introduce 48% discount
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener...-1.5273796
I'm very supportive of this, at least in principle. The student and senior fares are only about 15% lower today: students and seniors with significant income can certainly afford the extra $13 per month. On the other hand, this would provide a nearly 50% discount for a huge swathe of lower-income transit users, whether working, student or senior. Yes, free transit for them might be even better. Yes, the need for (some?) financial data to qualify is not ideal. But if we are going to reduce transit costs for a segment of the population, I'm all for means-testing so that those with a real need can get the support.
I can only hope that when I'm 65 I won't qualify for the low-income fare. And I will not begrudge those who do.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener...-1.5273796
I'm very supportive of this, at least in principle. The student and senior fares are only about 15% lower today: students and seniors with significant income can certainly afford the extra $13 per month. On the other hand, this would provide a nearly 50% discount for a huge swathe of lower-income transit users, whether working, student or senior. Yes, free transit for them might be even better. Yes, the need for (some?) financial data to qualify is not ideal. But if we are going to reduce transit costs for a segment of the population, I'm all for means-testing so that those with a real need can get the support.
I can only hope that when I'm 65 I won't qualify for the low-income fare. And I will not begrudge those who do.