Lorne Perry says he has the backing of Mayor Peter Kelly and some Halifax councillors for free bus rides for seniors. (CBC)

In Halifax, there's a renewed call for free bus fares for seniors on Metro Transit.

Lorne Perry started his drive for free fares for seniors once a week in July, but City Hall's transportation committee stopped it, after a Metro Transit report said a free seniors' program wouldn't be feasible.

This time around Perry has some support from council.

"Now the mayor is interested, [Coun.] Gloria McClusky's interested, [Coun.] Mr. Blumenthal's interested and a lot more people are and things are going quite well," Perry told CBC News.

On Wednesday, the mayor's office will launch a website with a new online petition.

"It's not charity, these people have paid their dues, and it's time we pay them back just a little bit," Perry said.

Coun. Jerry Blumenthal has already collected hundreds of signatures, for a service that would likely run on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

"I would hope to start around nine o'clock and go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. when buses are half empty anyway, and after six o'clock, so if seniors want to go to a movie or go out it gives them a chance," Blumenthal said.

He hopes the website will build momentum before the petition goes to council.

"See if the council then looks at something with thousands and thousands of seniors in their area as well, maybe they'll come on board," Blumenthal said.

"I hope people sign that thing," said Perry, who said he's feeling optimistic this time around. "I believe it's right, I believe that seniors have done an awful lot for our community in wartime and peacetime," Perry said.

Other Canadian cities like Ottawa and Moncton already let seniors ride the bus for free at least one day a week. And even though the Metro Transit fare is only a $1.50 for seniors, supporters of the idea say that's money some people just don't have.

Some people in Halifax told CBC News that they thought it was a great idea.

"There will be seniors who will appreciate this, in some countries it's free for seniors if you pay taxes," said Faye Lee, who said she takes the bus.

"Sounds like a great idea, why only once a week?" questioned Jerry MacKinlay.