Fare hikes on the way for GO Transit, UP Express users

GO Transit and UP Express users will see the cost of longer-distance rides go up by 3 per cent beginning this fall.

A report to be presented at Wednesday’s Metrolinx board meeting indicates the fare increase will only affect single-ticket adult fares greater than $5.65. Meanwhile, trips at or below that price will see no changes. Discounts for PRESTO card users would also remain unchanged.

The proposed fare hike, which would come into effect Sept. 2, is estimated to bring in $8.5 million of additional revenue for the provincial transit agency.

READ MORE: GO Transit adding weekday train service on Stouffville line between Toronto and Markham

“This fare increase is necessary to meet the needs of our growing customer base, expand services and ensure the financial sustainability of the corporation,” the report states.

LISTEN: Anne Marie Aikins of Metrolinx joins the Morning Show on AM640

As an example, a trip between Union Station and Oakville will go up from $8.65 to $8.90 while those with a PRESTO card will have their fare increase from $7.68 to $7.91.

The price for using the UP Express between Union to Pearson will rise from $12 to $12.35, with PRESTO going up from $9 to $9.25.

READ MORE: Union Pearson Express marks 1st year with near-4x ridership surge following fare cut

Fares at GO Transit have been frozen since the beginning of the year.

“We usually raise prices in the fall but last fall, the board decided that they didn’t want to raise the fares in that point in time and they didn’t make a decision whether or not it would be for the entire year,” Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said.

“Riders have had a bit of a reprieve on an increase but it’s not sustainable not to raise your fares because your operating costs go up every year and our operating costs went up quite a bit this year because we increased services.”