NEWS & VIEWS
The call to invest in Frequent, Electric, and Fare-Free is getting louder!
October 6, 2022 - Spectator
Letter to the editor - Climate a defining issue - Sheila Van Leusden, Dundas
"As Antonio Guterres said, without immediate action on climate issues, we are facing an “existential crisis that threatens not only us, but succeeding generations.” How’s that for a defining issue?"
September 21, 2022 – CFMU 93.3 Transit Talk
Listen to Transit Talk - Christie McNabb joins Don McLean and Doug Brown to talk about the Frequent, Clean (electric) & Free Transit Campaign.
"As we look at ways to significantly reduce the catastrophic impacts of global warming, cities need to implement measures to encourage a large portion of drivers to use transit instead. Free transit could be a game changer in reducing motor vehicle emissions. Will Hamilton's new council start the ball rolling?"
September 17, 2022 - Spectator
Letter to the editor - The case for free transit - Ed Reece, Hamilton
( RE: ‘Paying for free and clean public transit’, Sept. 12 and ‘Make the HSR frequent and free’, Aug. 23)
"As Mary notes, there are many ways to fund free public transit, so it seems all that is lacking is the political will. Let’s make sure that all the candidates running for Mayor and Council know that people in Hamilton support making public transit free."
September 17, 2022 - Spectator
Beyond LRT: What transit issue will drive your vote in Hamilton’s city election? - Matthew Van Dongen
"Free transit advocacy groups are popping up in major Canadian cities (the Hamilton Transit Riders’ Union also backs the idea) and dozens of cities around the world are experimenting with limited or temporary versions of no-fare rides."
September 11, 2022 - Spectator
Here’s how we can pay for clean and free public transit – Mary Love
"Today’s transit fares are a regressive tax on the citizens of our city who need the transit service the most: the poorest of us and those unable to drive."
Aug 23, 2022 - Spectator
Make the HSR frequent and free – Don McLean
"Hamilton already offers free bus rides to seniors over 80 and a steep discount to those over 65 so the principle of transit as a public right is already established — but not for those who are most in need."
July 29, 2022 - Orangeville Banner
Fare free transit pilot coming to Orangeville: Benefits, financial impacts considered in decision - Tabitha Wells
"Staff noted during the Blues and Jazz weekend, where transit was provided for free, ridership increased by 40 per cent. Review of the results demonstrated the increase was due to a mix of the destination and the free transit."
July 16, 2022
The case for free public transportation - Amir Barnea
"The initial upfront big cost gave politicians and policymakers cold feet as they lacked the vision and courage to make investments that go beyond a straightforward return-on-investment calculation."
April 21, 2022 - Centretown Buzz
Somerset Ward: The case for fare-free transit – Catherine McKenney
"In a nutshell, you cannot have a healthy, connected and equitable city without transit that everyone can afford to take and that meets them where they are and takes them where they want to go."