Comments?

Email

e-princerupert.com

Prince Rupert Regional Information Site

NATURE

Sea, land, river

PEOPLES

Community


For earlier materials see Table of Contents

Bus Fare increase voted down

Briglio was the swing voter

 

 

Several Citizens spoke against approving the increase—and Council or at least 4 of them listened

 

Councillor Bedard was the most out spoken in favour of raising the fares I would have liked to see someone challenge her vote – she lives in Port Ed and they were not raising fare - see below

 

 

The proposed fare increase compared to existing fares

 

Cash Fares

 

current

proposed

Increase

Adult

$1.25

$1.50

20%

Senior*

$1.00

$1.25

25%

Student**

$1.00

$1.25

25%

Child under 5 years

no charge

 

 

10 Tickets

Adult

$11.25

$13.50

20%

Senior*

$9.00

$11.25

25%

Student**

$9.00

$11.25

25%

Day Pass

Adult

$3.00

$3.75

25%

Senior*

$2.50

$2.75

10%

Student**

$2.50

$2.75

10%

Monthly Pass

Adult

$32

$38.00

19%

Student**

$25

$30.00

20%

College Semester Pass*** (four months)

$90

$90

 

 

The Chief Financial officer (Dan Rodin) had some trouble computing in his head what percentage the increase would have been – he suggested 10% -- so I have provided a ‘cheat sheet’ (the above table)

Fare increase will hurt poorest

Bedard thought that ‘most’ people on welfare were given bus passes by local charity groups

 

Councillor Thorkelson pointed out that low wage earners making minimum wage were not given ‘vouchers’ and the increase would impact the ‘working poor’ disproportionately

Thorkelson also suggested increased ridership should be able to make up the difference – perhaps some campaigns to get people to drive less and take local transit more etc

 

 

What about sky rocketing fuel costs?

Below is ice from skating rink

Rising fuel and electricity increases should be dealt with together – thus making and maintaining ice at skating rink will become much more expensive as electricity prices rise, etc --- so will the ferry trip to airport (which city presently subsidizes to 900T$ (50%+) while the city transit supported in order of only 25% -- it is one of highest ridership supported (thus least subsidized) in BC—according to Mayor Pond

 

Final vote

For the increase: Pond, Cote, Bedard

 

Against the fare increase – Gordon Payne, Kinney, Thorkelson and Briglio

 

 

Sept 8th Council mtg Part one
Liquid Waste Management Plan presentation

Ashley Garon Wilf

Part 2 – Demolition order and PR Blvd property consolidation

Part 3—Bus Fare increase voted down; skyrocketing energy costs

 

Created by LG on 14/9/2008

Last updated on Wednesday, October 15, 2008