Riding the rocket? TTC fares are going up & here’s what to know

Attention transit riders! You’re about to start paying a little bit more on your daily commute. The City of Toronto is investing more money in the TTC this year and along with that, they’re planning on increasing fares.

Mayor John Tory announced proposed investments in the 2023 budget that will apparently “keep Toronto safe.” The new changes could come into effect as early as next week if accepted by the TTC Board and Budget Committee.

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Here’s what the city is proposing:

• Prioritization of TTC service on routes in certain communities that have been identified as Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, including those that need more service,
• Hiring 10 extra Streets to Homes outreach workers in order to help “vulnerable people on the transit system,”
• Hiring 50 more TTC Special Constables. The plan with this is that they believe it will increase the focus on safety and security
• Increase the cleaning of streetcars on the busiest routes.

That’s why the city plans to spend an additional $53 million on the TTC in the 2023 budget. And as for fares, after being frozen for two years, transit riders will now have to pay $0.10 more, “to cover these much-needed investments,” according to the city.

Seniors and monthly pass users’ TTC fares will still remain frozen and the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program is set to expand eligibility to 50,000 additional low-income residents.

“Investing in our transit system is one of my top priorities for the next four years. While this is a challenging year for the city, we are investing to keep transit safe, improve service, and support seniors and low-income residents,” said Mayor Tory. “Protecting nuts and bolts services residents rely on and expect us to deliver is my priority throughout the 2023 budget.”

As of today, the City’s subsidy to the TTC in the 2023 budget is now $958.7 million, which is a 5.85% increase. Or if you look at it this way, a $53 million increase, over the 2022 approved budget.

We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.