Metrolinx mulling 3% fare hike for GO, UP Express

By News staff

Taking GO Transit and the Union Pearson Express this fall is likely going to cost you more, especially for riders who live outside of Toronto.

Metrolinx will be tabling a report at its board meeting on Wednesday that recommends a three per cent fare hike for a single-ticket adult fare.

The fare increase would apply to trips that cost more than $5.65.

“It doesn’t include trips that are for shorter trips, so within the City of Toronto, for example. For UP Express, the only trip that would be affected would be to the airport,” Metrolinx spokeswoman Anne Marie Aikins told 680 NEWS on Monday.

For example, the cost of a trip between Union Station and Barrie would increase from $13.55 to $13.95.

The fare for UP Express from Union Station to Pearson International Airport will increase from $12 to $12.35. With Presto, the $9 fare would inch up to $9.25.

 

“We haven’t increased [fares] in a year and a half. We do normally increase every year, but we gave customers a bit of a break,” Aikins said.

The provincial transit agency said the hike is expected to generate an additional $8.5 million in revenue, to help cover operating costs and improve operations. It is also planning to launch more services in the coming months.

“This fare increase is necessary to meet the needs of our growing customer base, expand services and ensure the financial sustainability of the corporation,” the report states.

“Without the proposed fare increase, Metrolinx will not be able to move forward with planned service improvements.”

If approved, the hike would take effect on Sept. 2.


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