The TTC board approved its new operating budget, which means most users of the transit service could soon be paying a little more per trip.
The board has given the green light for a 10-cent fare increase, up from the current $3.25 per trip fare, which will affect both cash payments and PRESTO cards. The proposed fare increase, along with reduced service hours, has transit advocates concerned.
"There could be service cuts in the future, so it's really critical timing," says Shelagh Pizey-Allen, spokesperson for the transit advocacy group TTCriders. "The fare increase is cruel. They're really going after the wrong people, the lowest income people in our city."
"If we raise fares now, riders will leave. The transit system will be less safe because there will be fewer people on it."
In announcing the fare increase last week, Mayor John Tory said eligibility for the Fair Pass Transit Discount program will be expanded to an additional 50,000 people. Tory added that monthly pass users and seniors would see their fares frozen in 2023.
The proposed increase must still go to the city council for final approval next month. If approved, it would go into effect April 3.