REGINA — Regina’s executive committee is set to review the outcome of a transit fare-free pilot project for youth and the state of the city's infrastructure at its meeting on Wednesday.
Transit pilot results
For roughly four months last fall, the city conducted a fare-free pilot project for students at Johnson Collegiate as transit advocates continue calling for more accessible ridership for youth.
Results showed transit use along several routes serving the school increased by roughly three times after free transit was introduced, compared to when regular fares were in effect. Overall, over 26,000 rides were taken for free by students in those months.
The city recorded roughly 50 per cent of Johnson Collegiate students utilizing fare-free transit, which had to be redeemed.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the city is recommending council consider these results for potential fare-free transit in the future.
Road renewal update
According to a city administration report, current funding levels are insufficient to maintain road renewal service standards.
In 2014, the city established a level of service (LOS) target of 85 per cent of local roads in either fair or better condition.
In their yearly road renewal report, 10.2 per cent of local city roads are in very poor condition, while 12.9 per cent are in poor condition.
Funding for renewing roads has decreased over the past few years, with $14.4 million allocated in 2025 for local roads, while 2021 saw an investment of $24 million.
The city says annual funding of $20 million is required to meet the LOS target within the next 25 years.
Reducing GHG emissions
As Regina looks at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, concrete is an item executive committee will focus on.
Following the adoption of a recommendation in the Climate Adaptation Strategy, the city has identified two options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from concrete by 20 per cent: using alternative materials or eliminating sidewalks and medians.
Both items are considered detrimental to transit connectivity and pedestrian mobility on sidewalks.
However, each option would save the city money and removing sidewalks could free up snow storage space for the city.
