Transit Equity for Low-Income Working Citizens of Canada

Affordable public transit is a necessity for low-income citizens across the Greater Toronto Area. For hundreds of thousands of citizens, transportation determines their ability to access employment, healthcare, education, and several other essential services. Unfortunately, the recent increase in fares have only contributed to the transit inequality faced by low-income citizens in the GTA. Although public transportation is designed to be accessible equally by all, uniform fare rates disproportionately place a burden on low-income riders. As a result, it is crucial for transit fares to be deducted in proportion to an individual's average income. 

The City of Toronto and the TTC have taken crucial steps to resolve this issue through the addition of the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program. Despite the fact that this initiative has helped improve affordability for many citizens, there is an overwhelming number of riders who are unable to meet the program’s criteria. For this reason, I'm advocating for the fare deduction to be dependent on a ride’s income to be integrated into the PRESTO system. This would be an addition to the current Fair Pass Transit Program, widening eligibility by creating multiple discount rates that align with their associated income bracket.  As of right now, the eligibility only applies to those who “have an income below 75%  Low-Income Measure After-Tax threshold”. Based on recent figures, those who meet the criteria would have to earn less than $50,000 annually. It is clear that this program only applies to a small portion of those in need, which is precisely why I suggest that more thresholds be incorporated each with their own rate of discount.