More people should have access to free transit, according to the mayor of Dieppe.

In fact, Yvon Lapierre believes no one should have to pay to use Codiac Transpo.

Lapierre made the comments during the annual State of the Tri-Communities on Thursday

“It’s a public service. I know I’m pushing [my council] almost every time the topic comes up. I believe in free buses,” said Lapierre to a round of applause.

Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold initially brought up the topic of transit while highlighting a new initiative in the region.

Codiac Transpo recently began offering a U12 pass for youth in Moncton and Riverview. Children under 12 can ride for free when accompanied by someone 12 or older.

“This is a big deal … I’d like to make it 16 and below but maybe that’s another discussion,” said Arnold.

“Say you have two or three kids and all of a sudden you’re taking them to activities or events or school or whatever, it adds up.”

Lapierre noted that Dieppe has been offering free transit to everyone under the age of 19 for several years.

The mayor said taxpayers already subsidize a good portion of Codiac Transpo’s expenses to start with.

“What we get in revenue now anyway doesn’t pay for maybe more than 10 per cent,” said Lapierre. “Let’s get rid of that and encourage people to only have one vehicle in their backyard.”

With files from Tara Clow