Despite other cities providing free transit service on the day of the federal election as an incentive to get out and vote, Regina transit will not be doing so.
The city of Regina says people taking the buses in the Queen City to get to polling stations will still need to pay regular fares.
City transit manager Nathan Luhning said making transit free for a day is not an easy process. Fees are governed by the transit bylaw, which means free or reduced fares need to be discussed and approved by city council.
According to the city, council would have to approve and budget for such a service well in advance, making it not possible to schedule this type of service on short notice.
However, Luhning said the city has done similar things in the past.
“Transit has in the past offered free service during municipal elections, but it’s paid for by another institution,” he stated.
Bus services like what Rider fans use on game days are free because the club pays for those buses. “Since they are chartering the buses, they get to determine what it costs.”
While Edmonton is also not allowing free transit, the city of Saskatoon is offering a free transit pass for election day, which is available for download and printing or can be displayed by using a mobile device.
