Transit Subsidies in Alberta Cities

Original Air Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The latest census shows Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada. Cash strapped cities face the challenge of paying for transit extensions into sprawling new suburbs.

Some say subsidizing public transit where there are few riders is wasteful and takes away from improving services in places where more people use them. Others argue if you run it, people will ride it.

Is transit service a right, even if we don't use it? Is it a privilege Albertans should expect to lose if they choose a suburb location over central?

Joining us for this discussion is Druh Farrell is in her fourth term as an Alderman for the City of Calgary, she serves a high density downtown ward; Simon O’Byrne, Vice President and Practice Leader for Urban Planning at Stantec; and Matt Carpenter, Member of the Canadian Urban Transit Association's Prairies and Territories Chapter and a Director at Strathcona County Transit.