Toronto Transit Commission to raise fares, metropass Special

In September, Digital Journal reported that the TTC is experiencing a $17.4 million deficit and the commission was in the early stage of fare hike talks. But now it seems most likely that it will occur in the New Year, according to The Toronto Star. Currently, a one-ride fare is $2.75 and that is expected to rise to $3. A monthly Metropass, which is transferable, is $109 and is also expected to be increased to $126. Other things like the GTA weekly pass, student/senior fares, day pass and tokens are also expected to be raised. This hike in fares, the first since 2007, is projected to bring in $62 million in revenues, reports The Toronto Sun. TTC Chairman Adam Giambrone told reporters on Wednesday that the commission could meet its budget if they do the following: ask the provincial and federal government for more cash, cut services and raise fares, “Nobody wants a fare increase, that's very clear; fare increases are not good for riders. I think the government needs to step up to the plate and fund transit.” He further added that he definitely will not cut services, “I'm not prepared to cut service. What I'm going to support is something that protects services.” As The National Post notes, the fare hike proposal will come when the TTC gives its $1.4 billion operating budget on November 17. 70 per cent of its budget is funded by fares. This year, Toronto Mayor David Miller froze any TTC fares for 2009 but will come to an end in 2010. Many Toronto riders are not happy about this move such as Alan S., an Animation Artist who uses the TTC every day. Alan told Digital Journal that the general public is going to be outraged because this is just another excuse for a tax hike. He further added that he will have to work overtime just to cover the extra costs of the TTC, “I will have to work overtime to pay off my debt and Metropass.” Jennifer C., a Psychology student at York University, is also enraged by this decision. “Nothing changes and it’s all the same problems: lateness of buses, rudeness of TTC personnel, so I don’t see why it’s going up.” She added that there should be valid reasoning, “Just because they have a deficit for their bad decision(s) doesn’t mean we should bear the brunt.” “I think it’s bad idea and terrible,” says Tony Lee, a service sector customer service representaive, who also works two jobs. “A lot of low-income residents take the publilc transit so why not raise gas prices instead? Why not increase the personal vehicle costs? Those people can afford it much easier than a transit rider. Why raise the TTC for all the hardworking 9 to 5 people? They’re asking poor people to cough up money for the corruptness of these companies and governments.”