Saint John Transit is underfunded and riders pay more then they do for bus service in other communities. That, according to a report to be presented tonight to Common Council by Vibrant Communities.
It’s calling on Common Council to make public transit a priority next year with recommendations to increase ridership and make it more affordable, including an adopt a bus shelter programme, flexible payment options for monthly bus passes and discounted transit passes for the working poor.
The President of the Transit Workers Union, Tom McGraw tells CHSJ News bus service, in a city like Saint John, will never be the number one priority and there’s a good reason why since only about ten percent of the city’s population ride the buses but they are usually the most financially vulnerable.
Vibrant Communities also recommends funding for bus service from the province and federal government as well as the city with federal gas tax revenues being earmarked for public transit.
New Brunswick is the only province in the country that levies property taxes on transit buildings and that’s why Vibrant Communities is calling for Saint John Transit be granted an exemption.
