Mayor's budget offers deep transit discount for seniors

WINNIPEG - MARCH 21, 2005 - Committed to improving the quality of life and affordability of services for city seniors, Mayor Sam Katz today highlighted the benefits of his plan to slash prices on bus tickets and passes to a level that amounts to a 50 per cent cut of the regular fares.

“Many senior citizens rely on transit to shop, to visit and to travel around the city,” said Katz. “Giving them discount access to transit is an important component of my vision of a city where everyone has an opportunity. This plan will deliver that.”

If city council approves the 2005 budget, senior citizens will receive a discount of 50% on all tickets and passes for Winnipeg transit. The plan will go into effect on July 1st, and bring Winnipeg’s prices for seniors’ transit in line with those of other major Canadian cities.

“Our seniors have done so much to build the city we now all enjoy,” said Katz. “Many live on fixed incomes, and depend on access to transit. If we want to see a city of growth and opportunity, we have to consider all of our residents. That’s why I made seniors’ transit access an issue in the election, and that’s why I fought to have this plan included in the 2005 budget.”

Councillors will vote on the 2005 operating budget, which includes the senior citizens discount plan, at a special meeting of city council on March 22nd.