16°c Partly cloudy
22°c Thundershowers
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Transit justice
Students at the University of Manitoba want the province and city to help pay for a new cut-rate bus pass that could be used anywhere, anytime. They say it would lower student costs, increase Transit use and ease congestion and pollution by getting gas-guzzling cars off the road.
These are good and noble causes, but then the same could be said for lowering fares for the poor, the elderly or people who don’t own a car. In fact, eliminating fares for everyone would also serve the cause of social justice, albeit at a much steeper price to the taxpayer.
University students already get a reduced fare, but they want a bigger reduction, which they say could be obtained with a higher government subsidy and with the requirement that every student be forced to buy a pass. The idea is that an economy of scale would help reduce the cost to the taxpayer. The disabled and those living outside the city would be exempt.
It is fundamentally wrong, however, to force every student to buy a bus pass to support those who rely on the bus or who do not want to drive a car for environmental reasons. It also penalizes students who live long distances from the university and who have chosen to drive or carpool. If there is to be a further investment in Transit, it should be to make the system faster and more efficient. That would also serve social justice while increasing ridership.
More Editorials
- Back to Top
- Return to Editorials
More Editorials
(1 of 9 articles for this week)
The bell returns
1:00 AM 0The Bell of Batoche is coming out of hiding for the first time since it was lifted from an Ontario ...
Poll
Most Popular Editorials
- Sobey clan to alter city market
- Prepare for next recession
- Transit misses the bus
- Pre-charter law cannot be upheld
- The Quebec tribe
- Digital records dilemma
- Firebugs a real threat
- Betrayal worth fighting
- A sinking feeling
- Syria needs a push
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.