FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TTCriders launches “Fund Evasion” spoof campaign
October 10, 2019 (Toronto, ON) – TTCriders has launched a social media campaign to point the finger at the biggest “fund evaders” on the TTC: politicians who underfund public transit. The TTC receives the lowest subsidy per-rider compared to other major US and Canadian cities.
“It’s time to stop blaming individuals who can’t afford to ride transit,” said TTCriders member Ben Bilgen. “The real fund evaders are MPPs and City Councillors who consistently fail to fairly fund the TTC. Riders can do their part to combat fund evasion by calling their elected officials.”
The TTCriders posters are a spoof version of the TTC’s campaign against fare evasion. Posters were designed by TTCriders members and volunteers upset by the TTC’s ad campaign.
“The City should be spending money on lowering the cost of TTC, not on criminalizing people who can’t afford it,” said _____ from Jane Finch Action Against Poverty. More quotes?
The TTC Board will debate new recommendations about fare inspection on February 25, 2020. Transit and anti-poverty advocates say that harsh fare enforcement will not solve two fundamental barriers to paying for TTC: unaffordable fares and challenges with Presto technology. Metrolinx’s plan to sell Presto cards and single fares exclusively at Shoppers Drug Marts and subway stations will further limit access to transit, especially in suburban areas.
Posters are available for download at ttcriders.ca/fundevasion (???). Transit riders can join the conversation by using the hashtag: #fundevasion.
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CONTACT:
Shelagh Pizey-Allen, [email protected]
Butterfly? , Jane Finch Action Against Poverty, _____