TORONTO – The TTC board has voted for a 25-cent fare hike for cash fares and 10-cent hike for tokens.
The board did vote to freeze Metropass costs, which currently rest at $141.50.
The TTC will now ask the city for a $41 million subsidy increase to the 2016 budget.
“I think we’ve taken a pretty balanced approach in freezing Metropass prices,” TTC Chair Josh Colle said.
“Considering the cash fare has remained unchanged for the better part of a decade. We are trying to transition people away from cash because of our inefficient it is and because of our move to PRESTO.”
Senior and student fares will remain unchanged until 2016 when an equity report will be complete.
“We are looking for a subsidy,” Colle said.
“We only have two tools: subsidy and revenue from our fare box.”
Transit advocacy group TTCRiders protested outside of City Hall on Monday afternoon, demanding all TTC fares be frozen.
“The city needs to contribute their fair share too. Right now they are only contributing 87 cents per ride,” said Brenda Thompson, chair of TTCRiders.
“The mayor did say he would freeze fares in the 2014 election and I think he needs to make good on that promise.”
Mayor John Tory said Monday that he believed TTC fares should be adjusted annually.
“We have the maintain the financial viability and I think it’s fair that those who use the system should continue to maintain their proportional share of the cost,” Tory said.
“I am anxious to maintain all of the very substantial service improvements that were made last year and as well to make sure that we continue to run a good service this coming year.”
“The Metropass is already very high. It’s the highest in Canada. It’s nice that they are not going to increase it, but really they aren’t doing anything that radical by freezing it,” Thompson said.
Cash Fare Increases
2001 – $2.25
2005 – $2.50
2006 – $2.75
2010 – $3.00
Token/Ticket Fare Increases
2010 – $2.50
2012 – $2.60
2013 – $2.65
2014 – $2.70
2015 – $2.80
Metropass Increases
2010 – $121
2012 – $126
2013 – $128.50
2014 – $133.75
2015 – $141.50
With Files from Mark McAllister
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