Toronto will be participating in a temporary one-fare transit program next year eliminating double fares, but an advocacy group says a flat fee would be a better solution for riders.
In November, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announced its plans to join Ontario’s one-fare program in a bid to make double fares a thing of the past as early as next year.
Under the program, customers transferring between TTC and GO Transit will get their money back for their single ride TTC fare, while those transferring between the TTC and a municipal transit agency will be able to use their two-hour transfer without paying a second time.
The province has reportedly committed to fund the new one-fare program starting from March 2024 until March 2026, with a potential extension depending on how well the pilot does.
And to cover TTC revenue losses, the province will dish out $40 to $60 million.
“It is essential that we make transit more affordable. For so many people who are struggling to make ends meet, paying a second fare for one trip is a barrier against taking transit to work, medical appointments or visiting family and friends outside the city. Eliminating the double fare would go a long way to making life more affordable for many Torontonians,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement.
TTCriders, a transit advocacy organization, is in agreement and believes it’s been a long time coming.
“Provincial funding for free transfers between GO and TTC, and between TTC and neighbouring municipal transit agencies, is a positive move and long overdue,” a spokesperson for the group told Now Toronto in an email statement.
However, it believes more can be done in order to do right by residents.
“TTCriders is asking the provincial government to go even further to create one flat fare within Toronto so that it is more affordable to get around the city and cost the same fare to take TTC, GO, and Union Pearson Express. One flat fare is especially important in Scarborough, because Line 3 Scarborough RT shut down this Fall.”
