# Calgary Council Scraps Free Fare Zone, Safety Debate Rages

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/calgary-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7599267/calgary-council-scraps-free-fare-zone-safety-debate-rages
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/calgary-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7599267/calgary-council-scraps-free-fare-zone-safety-debate-rages.md
Podcast: [Calgary News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/calgary-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7599267)
Published: 2026-05-11T20:37:32+00:00
Episode link: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/01ca338b-e979-4bde-b47f-1f6ce05973eb.mp3
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/01ca338b-e979-4bde-b47f-1f6ce05973eb.mp3
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Duration seconds: 88

## Resource

Calgary City Council Votes to Scrap Free Fare Zone, Aiming to Enhance Safety but Facing Criticism The Calgary city councils Infrastructure and Planning Committee recently decided to eliminate the Free Fare Zone on public transit, with the full council set to vote soon. The move is intended to improve safety by ensuring everyone pays for their rides. However, the decision has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it unfairly targets those who cant afford tickets, even if theyre not causing trouble. Despite hiring more peace officers and implementing stricter bylaws, safety concerns persist due to a rise in poverty, mental health issues, and the opioid crisis, exacerbated by COVID-19. A city report from three years ago found no correlation between fare gates and safer rides, suggesting that the proposed change may only displace problems rather than address their root causes. Critics argue that real solutions lie in bolstering social services, housing, and recovery programs, not in more tickets. Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/169540f2d3710d4d

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