Niagara Transit asked for adjustments, including more time on transfers
The City of Niagara Falls wants reduced transit fares for those needing transportation to food banks.
It also wants Niagara Transit to expand the transfer time for a ticket from two hours to three.
Councillor Mona Patel says people need more time, recalling a recent visit to the doctor's office. "An elderly lady, she told me that two hours is not enough for a doctor's office, because they have to go get blood work done. We all go to the doctor's office, and sometimes two hours is not enough for the appointment."
She adds people have to choose between food or transportation.
While Councillor Lori Lococo agrees with expanding transfer times, she says Niagara Transit is already looking into this, adding more guidelines are needed.
"I can go, you can go, anyone can go. So, someone going to a food bank, isn't necessarily in need of a bus pass. They may be, but... that's why they wanted it to be by social assistance, OW, ODSP... a low income threshold."
Mayor Jim Diodati added too many buses drive around with empty seats.