Council debating future of CTrain free fare zone

Calgary city council will debate the CTrain's free fare zone, an area of the network that allows people to ride transit for free in the downtown core.

Calgary city councillors will debate whether to end free CTrain rides in the downtown core after more than four decades.

A city administration review, heading to the Infrastructure and Planning Committee on Thursday, recommends removing the downtown free fare zone starting Aug. 1.

The zone currently allows riders to travel for free between City Hall-Bow Valley College Station and Downtown West-Kerby Station along 7th Avenue.

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City administration says the main reason for the proposed change is safety.

The city’s report argues the downtown core has become a common entry point for disorder on the transit system and says removing the free fare zone could reduce disorderly behaviour.

The report says the change could also generate up to $5 million in additional annual revenue.

Administration is recommending that future revenue then be reinvested in transit safety, event support, and programs for vulnerable Calgarians.

But the review also highlights several concerns.

Public engagement conducted by the city showed strong support for keeping the free fare zone, particularly among downtown residents, businesses and non-profit organizations.

The report warns that removing the zone could disproportionately affect low-income riders, tourists and people making short downtown trips.

It also notes the change would not address the root causes of social disorder and could instead push some issues into nearby areas.

The city estimates roughly 5.4 million trips are taken within the free fare zone each year.