Article content

A debate over free public transit at city council Wednesday exposed just how differently council members see the heavy blue buses running down Edmonton streets.

Coun. Tony Caterina said transit is certainly not an essential service like police or fire.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'Not ... an essential service': Free transit debate exposes divisions on council Back to video

It “does not even come close to being identified as an essential service,” said Caterina, speaking against a motion from Coun. Aaron Paquette to study the economic impact of transit and review the fare structure.

Paquette has been arguing publicly to look at making transit free. It brings $700 million in annual benefit to the City of Edmonton, he argues, citing a 2016 city report. Free transit could increase those benefits by encouraging more ridership, reducing congestion, increasing mobility and safety.

He found little support for free transit on council Wednesday, but some colleagues were keen on understanding economic impact better generally.