Implement More Inclusive Transit Pass Options
Currently the City of Barrie offers two types of bus passes that are suitable for regular bus users: the 10-Ride Card ($30) or the Monthly Pass ($91). The problem with this system is that it does not cover the varying needs of your citizens.
The 10-Ride Card only provides a small discount ($3.00 per ride instead of $3.50). It might need to be repurchased frequently, requiring citizens to travel to one of a few select locations (likely spending one of their rides in the process).
The Monthly Pass is only worth the cost for those who travel more than 30 times per month, limiting it primarily to daily commuters. Those with part-time jobs, hybrid work, or who only use transit for smaller trips like grocery shopping are stuck with the 10-ride card.
The city could cover this middle ground by implementing a 20-Ride Card with a slightly larger discount per ride (e.g. $50 total, $2.50 per ride), but I believe a reloadable transit pass would provide the most flexibility.
This type of card can be implemented in many ways. Take for instance, Grand River Transit's EasyGO fare card, which can either be loaded with day passes or stored value. In the case of stored value, users can load any amount onto the card and pay their fares at a discounted price.
Another option is to allow card holders to load any number of bus fares, providing larger discounts if a larger number of fares are purchased at once.
This system is digital, which comes with some cost to implement, but has major benefits. Card holders could reload their cards online or through an app for maximum convenience. If they'd like to pay with cash, reloading at select locations is still an option. Getting onto a bus also only requires tapping your card which speeds up service compared to cash or the current 10-Ride Card.
The main barrier preventing more people from using transit is convenience. Hopefully implementing a system like this will encourage more people to use the bus more often.