Greater Sudbury is considering extending the free bus rides for seniors program until councillors can assess the program this winter.
A motion headed to city council Tuesday asks that older Sudburians be allowed to keep riding for free on Mondays “until a decision is made about the program's future during the 2017 budget deliberations.”
The initiative was one of Mayor Brian Bigger's campaign promises during the 2014 municipal election. The program started March 1 and was scheduled to end Aug. 31.
“During the trial period, approximately 16,500 conventional rides were recorded,” a staff report on the plan says. “The first three months averaged 2,300 rides per month, and the last three months 3,200 rides per month.
“With these statistics, staff has established that we are still within our budget allocation of $50,000. This gives flexibility to extend the program without impacting the 2016 budget.”
Usage has increased considerably in the last three months, the report said, but it's harder to asses because the definition of a senior has changed from 55 to 65.
“In order to provide council the best information possible regarding the future of this program, transit staff will prepare a business case which will be presented to council during 2017 budget deliberation,” the report says. “At this time, council will be given the opportunity to review the program's results, and give direction to staff regarding the programs future.”
Staff estimated the program would mean about $51,000 in lost revenue.
