Description
Not all individuals and communities have the resources to transition to low or no emission transportation. Programs to address diverse barriers must be implemented so that all residents can travel easily and safely to their destinations. These programs must be designed in partnership with equity-deserving groups, and consider interconnected barriers such as safety, funding, education, and community design.
This action will be led by the Region of Waterloo and the Area Municipalities. Please see below for the most recent publicly available updates.
REGION OF WATERLOO
Affordable Transit Program's monthly pass price remains at $48 as part of 2025 Plan and Budget Approval. Children six and under ride for no charge beginning July 1, 2025. Visit: https://grt.ca/budget2025
Launch of Conestoga College U-Pass program launched in September 2024 giving Conestoga College students access to affordable, equitable and sustainable transportation. (grt.ca/Conestoga)
To learn more about the Affordable Transit Program click here.
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The Cycling Master Plan looked at equity in neighbourhoods when determining routes.
One of the aims of the Cycling Master Plan was to develop a well-connected cycling network that provides equitable access and serves all areas of the city. An equity analysis determined neighbourhoods with higher concentrations of under-served populations (youth, senior, immigrant, indigenous, and low-income populations). The results of the analysis were used as one of the factors to help prioritize the proposed active transportation networks. The neighbourhoods with the highest equity need were identified as a higher priority for implementation and provided with the highest quality of recommended facilities. Neighbourhoods with the greatest equity need included Elgin Park, Northview, Riverview, Blair, Southwood, Galt City Core, Glenview, Southview, Eastview, and Branchton Park.
The local group, CycleWR, developed a Cycling Route Effectiveness Model, by completing an analysis on building AAA routes (all ages and accessibility) within equity-deserving neighbourhoods. Initial analysis work was completed by the ClimateActionWR Transportation Sector Committee identifying routes in low income neighbourhoods. One of the aims of the Cycling Master Plan was to develop a well-connected cycling network that provides equitable access and serves all areas of the city. An equity analysis determined neighbourhoods with higher concentrations of under-served populations (youth, senior, immigrant, First Nations, and low-income populations). The results of the analysis were used as one of the factors to help prioritize the proposed active transportation networks. The neighbourhoods with the highest equity need were identified as a higher priority for implementation and provided with the highest quality of recommended facilities. Neighbourhoods with the greatest equity need included Elgin Park, Northview, Riverview, Blair, Southwood, Galt City Core, Glenview, Southview, Eastview, and Branchton Park.
TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH
The Township of Woolwich identifies developing active transportation and transit programs that targets equity-deserving communities as a future consideration.