Once in a while, people adapt a word in a way that’s perfect to describe a concept or a problem.

In the world of public transit, that word is friction.

This isn’t about how tires make contact with pavement, or how brake pads slow a vehicle down. Rather, the word is used to describe how easy or difficult it is for a rider to take the bus or the train.

And in Calgary, it could be argued friction is too high.

Recently, in a worthy effort to ensure all riders pay for their fair share, Calgary Transit updated its ticket validation process for CTrains, requiring certain ticket holders to start scanning their fare before they step on board.

Now … try to explain Calgary Transit’s fare rules to a visitor or a new resident in one sentence. It can’t be done.

It depends on where you bought your

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