TTC fares could go up in the New Year: Stintz

TTC fares could go up in the New Year: Stintz

Public transit riders may have to dig a little deeper in the New Year, says TTC Chair Karen Stintz.
In an open letter sent to customers Friday night, Stintz called the $91 million operating subsidy the TTC receives from the province "inadequate" and suggested a fare hike may be on the way if the province doesn't agree to cover more of the TTCs $1.5 Billion annual budget.
"The TTC needs a subsidy to move you. That subsidy is roughly one dollar for each customer. For every new rider we carry we need to find a new dollar via the City or the Province of Ontario to cover the cost," Stintz said. "Basically, we are a victim of our success."
Last January, TTC management asked Stintz and the other board members who sit on the TTC Commission to approve a 10 cent rate hike.
The hike, which would have been the second in a year, was avoided by curtailing service frequency on 62 bus and streetcar routes, saving $15 million, but Stintz said the cuts merely provided time; not a solution.
For that reason the TTC commission is expected to vote on a 10 cent rate hike at their December meeting. If approved, it could go into effect Jan. 1.
"Our system remained intact this March when we told management to not cut routes. Our system will remain intact in 2012," she said. "This does not change the need for funding to preserve service. The need for steady funding has never left."
The TTC is one of the most underfunded public transit commissions in the country, with government funding accounting for only 30 per cent of its annual costs.
In her letter Stintz said the city and province should split the $1 dollar subsidy needed for every ride 50-50.