The free fare zone in downtown Calgary has been a fixture of the city's public transit system for 45 years. However, Calgary Transit and city officials are now recommending its removal, a move projected to generate up to $5 million in additional annual revenue.
A report to be presented to city council's infrastructure and planning committee on Thursday advises directing administration to eliminate the free-to-ride zone effective August 1. The additional revenue could be reinvested into transit safety programs, according to the report.
Background on the Free Fare Zone
The free fare zone allows Blue and Red Line passengers to board and exit the CTrain at no cost along 7th Avenue in downtown Calgary, as long as their trip remains within the zone. This pay-free area extends from City Hall/Bow Valley College station to Downtown West/Kirby station and has been in place since the LRT began operations in 1981.
The zone currently accounts for approximately six million trips annually, representing 10 percent of total CTrain ridership.
Benefits of Removal
The report outlines several benefits of removing the free fare zone, including a reduction in disorderly behavior on trains and platforms, which could improve public safety perceptions. It would also free up train capacity during peak travel times and enhance fairness across the transit system by aligning with Calgary Transit's strategic direction to provide fare discounts based on passengers' ability to pay rather than their location.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite these benefits, the city's review indicates strong support for the free fare zone, particularly from downtown residents, business owners, and non-profit organizations. Removing the zone would not address root causes of social disorder and may displace vulnerable Calgarians from the transit system to other nearby public spaces, the report warns.
Scrapping the zone could also lead to lower attendance at downtown events and conferences, negatively impact low-income riders, and require up to $1 million in one-time costs for new signage, public notices, and infrastructural changes on downtown train platforms.
Rare Practice in North America
Sharon Fleming, director of Calgary Transit, previously told council that free fare zones are rare in North American transit systems. Denver was the only city she knew of that offered a similar service. She noted that the zone has created challenges for transit peace officers enforcing fare compliance.
