Subcommittee urges caution on mandatory transit pass rollout and asks CET/COIC to consider youth discounts

Councillors and subcommittee members raised equity and practical concerns about a proposed mandatory transit pass and the absence of a youth fare discount during a discussion of the regional transit authority’s planned changes.

A councillor who serves on the regional board summarized the proposal for council members: after a transition period, riders would need a transit pass to board, and the pass would be the required fare medium. The subcommittee discussed possible effects on immigrant and low‑trust populations if the pass application requires identity documents and on the potential of exclusion if drivers or systems deny boarding to riders without a valid pass.

One councillor asked pointedly: “Are people gonna even feel comfortable if they have to turn over documents right in time to government? Are they gonna not and… a group of people aren’t gonna ride?” The concern, as discussed in the meeting, was that requiring identification or a formal pass could create a barrier for migrants, undocumented residents and others who may avoid contact with government when documents are requested.

Members also noted that the proposed fare schedule includes discounts for seniors, people with disabilities and low‑income riders but does not propose a youth discount. Subcommittee members asked staff to consider student and youth fare options and noted other systems (for example, Rogue Valley, as cited in the meeting) do offer youth discounts. Councilors suggested the city could ask the regional authority to delay mandatory pass implementation while equity impacts are further reviewed and requested staff help draft a letter for the COIC/CET board outlining those concerns and urging consideration of youth discounts and privacy protections.

One councillor offered to present the subcommittee’s concerns at the regional board level and staff said they would prepare draft bullet points or a letter for the full council to consider on April 16. No formal council action was recorded at the subcommittee meeting.