CALGARY, Dec. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Frontier Centre for Public Policy has released Steve Lafleur's "A New Model for Funding Public Transit: Embracing the User-Pays Principle".
Public transportation is a major political issue in Canada that is always hotly debated. Lafleur states that the public tends to view public transportation as a last resort and more of a social welfare program for those who can't afford to drive. Public transit agencies are often money losing departments that struggle just to meet basic obligations, leaving little time or resources to upgrade services that would attract new riders.
In this exploration of "urban mobility" the author found that those who don't use public transportation are reluctant to fund larger expansions and existing riders don't want to pay higher fares. Lafleur argues that governments should convert public transportation agencies into autonomous Crown corporations. He states that doing this would end much of the politicization of decision-making and allow the focus to be on increasing ridership.
Lafleur is a policy analyst whose research includes housing and land-use policies, transportation and infrastructure, intergovernmental fiscal relations and municipal finance. His work has been featured in most Canadian newspapers including The Toronto Star, The National Post, The Globe and Mail and several US publications.
Steve Lafleur's public transportation report can be found here: New Model for Funding Public Transit
About the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an innovative research and education charity registered in both Canada and the United States. Founded in 1999 by philanthropic foundations seeking to help voters and policy makers improve their understanding of the economy and public policy, our mission is to develop ideas that change the world.
SOURCE Frontier Centre for Public Policy
Image with caption: "A New Model for Funding Public Transit. (CNW Group/Frontier Centre for Public Policy)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151215_C8044_PHOTO_EN_564501.jpg
Media Inquiries and Information: Deb Solberg, C: (403) 919-9335, E: [email protected]
Share this article