The Calgary Herald reported today that ridership on Calgary Transit has slipped, with administration musing that it could be part of a “recessionary trend”. I beg to differ.
I’ve been critical of Calgary’s public transportation system in the past. Granted, during my time in Saint John, I came to appreciate Calgary Transit’s quality of service, but am now reminded that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. This is mainly because despite some changes, Calgary Transit really hasn’t changed much at all since I left in 2008.
The fares are still going up year after year (with adults getting dangerously close to paying $100 for a monthly pass), the service levels haven’t changed (with the exception of expanded Bus Rapid Transit service), plus that rumored west leg of the LRT still hasn’t been started yet.
Is it really any wonder why ridership is slipping when we’re paying more and more for a lot of the same?
I would like to personally call on city council to hold a full, open and public review of Calgary Transit as it presently stands, and encourage you to join me.
I have started an online petition to be sent to city council on November 30. I would encourage as many of you as possible to sign and show your support for a review of our broken transit system.
