Staff Report #5
May 29, 2024
To All Commissioners
Re: Car Free Day 2024
Recommendation
The report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated every September 22nd in which people are encouraged to get around without driving alone in cars and instead ride a train, bus, bicycle, carpool, vanpool, subway, or walk. For those that have the ability to work from home, telework also counts.
At the May 7, 2024 meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee of Council, a communication was received from Councillor Franke which outlined the initiatives a local community group was undertaking for Car Free Day in 2024. The communication sought Council Support for the provision of free public transit on September 22, 2024 in an effort to encourage Londoners to take transit. Leading up to this communication, London Transit administration was asked to provide an estimate of the revenue loss that London Transit would experience should they forego fare collection on September 22, 2024. The estimated revenue loss associated with free transit (cash, ticket, or stored value fares) was $17,000. The community association had not yet identified a sponsor for this initiative; however, prior to the report being discussed by the Committee, a sponsor for the event came forward.
London Transit administration has been advised that Dancor has agreed to sponsor the event, and provide the $17,000 in associated revenue loss for the day. A contract similar to those that have been utilized for events of this nature in the past will be prepared and executed with Dancor in the coming weeks.
London Transit will also provide in-kind support of the event through social media posts leading up to the event.
Recommended by:
Katie Burns, Director of Planning
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager