Toronto Transit Commission fare hike approved

After months of speculating, the Toronto Transit Commission has officially approved the fare hike across the entire board.

On Tuesday, the TTC made it official that Torontonians will have to fork over an extra quarter for one single fare or an extra $12 for a monthly transferable Metropass, according to the Globe and Mail. There was growing speculation that the monthly Metropass was actually going to be increased to $126 but that was scrapped. University, college and high school students received a break as monthly passes will only cost $99 once the changes are in effect in the New Year. The increase in fares is expected to bring $50 million in new revenue as the TTC is experiencing a $106 million deficit. TTC Chairman Adam Giambrone sought other means to offset the costs, including more government funding but Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty made it clear on Tuesday that he was not going to bailout TTC as the province faces a near $26 billion deficit. The Toronto Star reports Giambrone telling the press, “We feel the commission and riders have done their part. No one wants to raise fares. I'm optimistic there won't be any cuts in service.” Some post-secondary students are still not happy with the move because they realize what’s in store for the future such as York University student Jennifer C., who studies Psychology and works full-time as well, told Digital Journal in an e-mail that she believes it will cost way too much in the end and that “students shouldn’t celebrate just yet because they’re going to pay more in the end.” She further added that everything in this city is going up and it’ll be near impossible to afford living in this city by the time she graduates in a couple of years. Nevertheless, some public officials regret the final decision such as TTC Deputy Chairman and City Councilor Joe Mihevic who said before the vote, according to the Toronto Sun, “I really regret the 25 cents. We know some people can't afford it and if there was another way we would have chosen it.” TTC fare increases will be: - Cash: $3.00 - Token: $2.50 - Weekly Pass: $36.00 - Regular Metropass: $121.00