Edmonton's Two-Tiered Transit

I love my city.

I could not imagine living anywhere else.

But in a very short time, my fellow disabled transit users and I may not be able to afford to get around in Edmonton.

And this is why.

As I have mentioned before, the city charges us $85.00 per month for a pass. Meanwhile, seniors pay about $30.00 for a pass they use all year.

A few years ago, Edmonton Transit appeared to solve the problem for disabled transit users, by offering us a $30 transit pass. But it comes with an important and disheartening stipulation:

It can only be used on the low-floor transit buses...and not on the disabled transit service, where it is needed most.

Mayor Stephen Mandel, that sounds like two-tiered transit to me.

Your Worship, I would like to compliment you on what you have done for the city of Edmonton. You have done much to revitalize this city with actionable plans, whereas your predesessor was full of big ideas, often without the plans to realize them.

But I also know that the two-price, restrictive pass scenario pits those who can`t pay the extra against those who can, and all because some users can`t get on the low-floor bus.

We are not asking for extra money, Mr. Mayor.

All we are asking is for one reasonable price for the passes. That way, any Edmontonian can enjoy our city, regardless of mobility issues.

Your Partner In Life