TTC votes. Fare increase in the new year

The hikes only apply to regular adult fares will not affect students or seniors.

While the board is freezing Metropass prices as well as student and senior fares, cash fares will go up 25 cents ($3.25) and a token will cost an addition 10 cents ($2.90).

“We understand taking a hit on the fare side, but we are going to provide better service.” said City councillor Joe Mehevic just before stepping into to the vote.

“The mayor did say he would freeze fares in the 2014 election and I think he needs to make good on that promise”.

While the TTC may be more expensive in the near future, it did allocate $95 million towards service improvements, including more buses and streetcars on busy routes.

Fare hikes remain one of the few ways the TTC can generate additional revenue, unless the province boosts its subsidy.

“Really, the only two options we have are to look at fares or service, so if the city is unable to fill the gap I’m sure there will be a robust debate back at this table”, he said.

Even with the decision to implement the increase to the cash fare and price of tokens, the TTC will still have a substantial shortfall in its deficit that would have to be addressed through an increase in the subsidy it gets from the city.

But Colle said the fare hikes are necessary for public transit in Toronto to keep operating effectively.

The city subsidized each TTC ride by 89 cents this year, compared to about $1.11 in Montreal and about $1.50 in NY. Officials with the TTC are looking to extend it to 72 hours to give residents more time to report on something days after an event has occurred.

“Because the cost of running the system – whether it is for electricity or whether it is for labour or other things – goes up”, he said.

Members of TTCriders held a protest against higher fares at Nathan Phillips Square just before the meeting, though many had left prior to the budget vote.

The board also approved the TTC’s 10-year capital budget projection which is fully funded for 2016 but has nearly $3-billion dollars in unfunded commitments.

Also supported was a motion by Colle to streamline office and warehouse space and accelerate plans for a new TTC head office.