Time-based TTC transfers better for low-income Torontonians: report

Watch the video above: Time-based transfers promise better value on the TTC. Jackson Proskow reports. 

TORONTO – If the TTC were to implement time-based transfers – allowing commuters to get off and on without paying an extra fare – public transit would be more accessible to low-income Torontonians, according to a report.

The public transit agency is studying how and when to implement time-based transfers.

Right now, commuters have to pay an extra fare if they get off the TTC system. For example, if a rider gets on the subway at the Yonge/Bloor station and travels north and gets off to go to a dentist appointment near Davisville station before heading north again to Lawrence, they would have to pay twice, once at Yonge/Bloor and again when re-entering the system at Davisville.

Read More: Time-based transfers are key to public transit’s success

Time-based transfers, however, would allow the commuter to get to that dentist appointment without having to worry about an extra fare.

And a report created for Toronto Public Health suggests the TTC’s current transfer rules act as a barrier to low-income residents using the service more often.

“Toronto residents living on low incomes who participated in a community food mapping exercise also identified the need for flexibility with TTC transfers to allow time for food shopping at route intersections on the way home without having to pay additional fares,” according to the 2013 report on transit.

Several municipalities in Canada, including a few in Ontario, already use time-based transfers. Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa each have a 90 minute transfer while Brampton, Oakville, Mississauga, York Region and Windsor all use a 120 minute transfer.

But time-based transfers would cost the TTC a lot of money. The TTC is reviewing two options: a 90 minute transfer and a 120 minute transfer.  Though there would be an increase in ridership as a result of the transfers, TTC CEO Andy Byford warns a 90 minute transfer would cost the agency approximately $12 million in lost revenue annually, while the 120 minute transfer would see close to $20 million in lost revenue.

“We don’t have $20 million to spare. That is something we would need to look for by way of increased subsidy,” Byford said. “We need extra subsidy, we’ve asked riders already for an increase in fare which took effect at the end of the year, we can’t ask for any more.”

The TTC’s subsidy has been frozen since 2010 despite increased ridership, something Byford has repeatedly described as a “cut.”

Along with lost revenue, time-based transfers would also add riders to an already over-crowded transit network. TTC Chair and undeclared mayoral candidate Karen Stintz said the TTC is taking several steps including new subway cars, buses, streetcars and a new signalling system to combat congestion.

Stintz too thinks the TTC’s subsidy needs to increase and told reporters Tuesday she will be introducing a motion at city council Wednesday in order to increase TTC funding by $3 million.

– With files from Jackson Proskow