Frequent rider discount a no-go for Windsor

Transit users — kiss your dreams of a frequent rider discount goodbye. 

The prospect of a discount and approval of fare changes was first raised at a Windsor city council meeting Oct. 7, but the motion failed to carry.

“There was a report about a possible frequent rider discount but it wasn’t supported,” said Pat Delmore the executive director of Transit Windsor. 

Delmore said a new transit master plan will be brought to city council in the coming weeks before anything is finalized. 

Changes include:

• Children under twelve will not ride free.
• The previous student category will change youth category for ages 13 to 19. 
• A new semester pass will also be available for college students at a 4 month youth rate. 

According to Transit Windsor’s website, the fare structure and strategy review report is the capstone of the structure study, providing clear recommendations, best practices, review of peer agencies and an impact assessment of three decision packages for Windsorites to choose for their upcoming ride. 

The last change took effect on July 1, 2019. Right now, a single ride is still $3 in the city. 

“Fares will also increase by 2 per cent annually,” said Delmore. “It’s the best we can do. It is a service needed in every municipality to assist residents in getting where they need to go. And it is an integral part of a sustainable community.” 

Transit Windsor previously offered free rides or special fares during special occasions such as fireworks on the Detroit River, for students during march break or for veterans on Remembrance Day. 

Transit users understand there are flaws in the plan.

“Having a frequent rider discount would be beneficial, but if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to be upset,” said frequent user Andrew Scheen. “I assume more than 50 per cent of riders are students or seniors, and it might help them too.”

Scheen said that the Transit Windsor would probably be losing more money if the plan didn’t go through. 

“It’s easier for me to take the bus, and I know a lot of people who rely on it because it is easier than having a car, paying for gas, having multiple bills to pay for,” said Scheen. “This is an inexpensive way already, so for the city to say no to this idea, is in it’s best state right now.”