NEWS RELEASE: Rahim Jaffer Proposes Free Fare Zone to Revitalize Downtown Edmonton
Edmonton, AB, September 16, 2025 — Transit fares keep rising in Edmonton, while trains feel unsafe, service seems unreliable, and people are losing faith in our public transit system. Downtown, the heart of the city, is under-utilized, facing social disorder and is more expensive to reach than ever.
“It’s time for change. We know downtown needs a shot of life, and our transit system needs to rebuild confidence to help do that. If you trust me with your vote on October 20 and elect me as Edmonton’s mayor, I will bring back an idea we already know works: a Free Fare Zone,” said Rahim Jaffer. “By giving Edmontonians access, connecting our universities, our downtown, our hospitals, the heart of our city, we can help inspire that confidence, rebuild trust and ridership,” added Jaffer.
The Jaffer Free Fare Zone Plan for Edmonton:
One-Year Pilot: Free transit fare within a designated central zone connecting our post-secondary institutions like the U of A, NAIT, Norquest, Faculté Saint-Jean, Makami and MacEwan, to critical healthcare infrastructure like the Royal Alexandra Hospital, to cultural centres like Chinatown and Little Italy, and our downtown core with Whyte Avenue.
Save up to $102/month: No more hassle—just board and ride between South Campus and Coliseum stations, and MacEwan University and Makami College.
Users will pay using a valid ARC ticket or fare for travel outside the downtown free zone, Users entering the free zone from outside will also require proof of fare.
Calgary AB, Albuquerque NM, Kansas City MO, and Tallinn, Estonia all have free transit zones.
Jaffer has already announced a real plan to take back Edmonton’s streets from social disorder and decay.
To ensure transit feels safe enough to ride again Jaffer has committed to
Hiring 500 additional police officers, focusing on safety downtown, at LRT stations, bus stops, parks, and in communities across Edmonton.
Installing turnstile gates at LRT stations to ensure people boarding have valid tickets.
Renovating high-risk LRT stations
Enhancing security presence (CCTV, more foot patrols, additional arrest and detain training for peace officers) across Edmonton’s transit network.
“For the public to want to take transit again in Edmonton, they have to know that it is accessible, reliable, and safe,” added Jaffer. “Reconnecting Edmontonians with downtown through a free fare zone, while pairing that with a restoration of public safety in our city, will help restore trust and pride in our transit system, while strengthening downtown’s vibrancy. It’s a bold step to build a brighter chapter – For all of Edmonton.”
In 2023, Edmonton’s Public Transit system collected $87 million in fare revenue. While revenue will decline proportionally within the free-fare zone, increased ridership is expected to offset some losses. The free fare access will bring economic stimulus to the downtown by making it easier and less expensive for people to use transit to connect universities, hospitals, and businesses.
Additionally, the city may explore naming rights, licensing, or other partnerships to help subsidize the cost of providing free transit in this core area.
