11-12-2024 - No. 17 -* III' 1';III
I.
CITY DF!
NIA Fes__
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
November 12, 2024
No. 17 — Motion regarding Access to Affordable Transportation
Moved by: Councillor Mona Patel
Seconded by: Councillor Chris Dabrowski
Whereas data shows Niagara Falls has highest per capita food bank usage in province, with 1
in 7 Niagara Falls residents using food bank.
Whereas the need for Niagara Falls emergency food program has grown "alarmingly" during the
past year.
Whereas according to Daily bread's annual Who's Hungry survey, two-thirds of clients reported
having to miss a meal to pay for another expenses. Close to half of these respondents had to
skip a meal to afford transportation.
Whereas they can't buy $6 dollars per round trip for bus tickets.
Whereas that money should be used to purchase food and necessities not bus tickets.
Therefore, be it resolved that Staff engage with Niagara Region Transit for the purpose of
accomplishing the following:
1. Ensure access to free or affordable transportation by providing reduced rates and
enhancing accessibility, which is critical for individuals utilizing essential services
including, but not limited to, food banks in Niagara Falls.
2. See to that services are affordable, reliable, and accessible, potentially accomplished by
expanding the transfer time fare window from 2 hours to 3 hours. This would help
households reach food programs without paying for two separate trips. Additionally,
exploring a pilot project that offers zero-cost bus access could enable many individuals
to not only reach the food bank but also return home with the food they receive.
.AND The Seal of the Corporation to hereto affixed. d
2tX
l (0d�� V-
WILLIAM G.MATSON JAMES M.DIODATI
CITY CLERK