You might have to pay more to take public transit in Metro Vancouver this year.
TransLink directors plan to mull over a 2.3 per cent fare increase at a board meeting this Thursday (March 25) to keep up with service costs amid declined ridership and COVID-19 space restrictions.
The price hike is down from the 4.1 per cent originally forecast for 2021.
In 2917 annual fare increases were approved as part of a coordinated “10-Year Vision” from Metro Vancouver mayors to help fund transit improvements and infrastructure in the region.
However, when the provincial government granted TransLink $644 million last year under its Safe Restart Agreement – it made the company pledge to hold fare increases at 2.3 per cent until 2024.
RELATED: Upset arises over TransLink using B.C. restart funds to reinstate pay cut of CEO, executives
The price hike, if implemented, would see an adult one-zone fare jump to $3.05 from $3. Monthly passes would climb from $98 to $100.25. Single concession fares would go from $2 to $1.95 and a monthly pass, from $56 to $57.30.
The proposed fare increase is expected to generate about $4 million per year and would go into effect this July.
READ MORE: ‘Self-disinfecting’ copper coming to more of TransLink’s fleet to fight COVID-19
@sarahgrowch
sarah.grochowski@bpdigital.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.
