Approved by City Council in 2019, the Transit Fare Policy supports a fair, equitable and affordable transit service.
What This Means to Customers
The Transit Fare Policy:
- Provides strategic direction on how to set transit fares, based on the four approved principles:
- Balanced
- Affordable
- Equitable
- Rewarding
- Sets discounts in a consistent manner
A target for cost recovery that:
- Balances how much of transit operating costs are covered by riders’ fares versus municipal taxes
- Offers prices that are fair for all users
- Is affordable for people who depend most on transit
- Encourages more transit use by rewarding frequent riders with discounted fares
Fares Reflect Our Values and Goals for Transit
Fare Policy Principles
- Balanced - this principle recognizes transit provides public benefits for all Edmontonians, so the City would continue to fund more than half of transit operating costs, with fares and other non-fare revenue covering the remaining 40-45% of costs
- Affordable - this principle establishes consistent and easy-to-understand discounts for vulnerable populations including low-income seniors, youth and individuals with disabilities
- Equitable - this principle allows for distance-based fare options in the future
- Rewarding - this principle ensures discounts for those who use transit regularly
Public Engagement History
The Transit Fare Policy is based on a commitment to affordability and equity. Public feedback will help refine the recommended fare discounts and cost recovery target in the coming years.
Earlier public engagement results show strong support for providing discounts to Edmontonians in financial need. During public engagement, close to 3,900 citizens shared their thoughts about setting discounts for various customers, such as seniors, youth and low income.
We also asked the public whether we should recover transit operating costs in the same range as other similar cities. In Edmonton, 40-45% of costs are covered by fares and other non-fare revenue, as compared to 40-60% in other communities. The remainder is funded by municipal taxes.
Fare Policy What We Did and Heard Highlights