Transit users will once again pick up the tab as cash-strapped TransLink tries to juggle public transit service and rising operational costs.
Regional Transportation Commissioner Martin Crilly released his report on TransLink's 10-Year Plan yesterday, which paves the way for an 11 per cent spike in one-zone monthly fare cards and an additional three cents a litre in gas tax costs.
Crilly reviewed three potential plans by TransLink and chose two options for the Mayor's Council on Regional Transportation to vote on in October.
The first is a basic plan that cuts existing service, but doesn't require additional funding sources. The second, a "Funding Stabilization" plan, would cost an extra $130 million a year, but keeps existing service levels.
Neither plan allows for expansion - such as the Evergreen Line. Crilly was asked to approve four short-term fare increases for 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019 - but the commissioner would only allow an increase in 2010.
Cash fares will be unaffected.
TransLink spokesperson Ken Hardie said there are no plans to change the current price of cash fares, but the cost of monthly passes and pre-paid tickets will increase.
"It helps us to sustain the system," Hardie said. "I think it's important for people to know that their fare only covers about 52 per cent of their actual ride. We need a slightly greater contribution."
A one-zone monthly pass, which costs $73 now, will increase to $81.
In addition to rising fuel and operational costs, TransLink - which already claimed to be short on funding - lost parking tax revenues in the provincial budget earlier this week.
NDP transportation critic Harry Bains said it's another example and how government cuts are making life more expensive for the public.
"There was no mention of a province-wide U-Pass for students in the budget and there's no new money for transit," he said. "Transit riders need to be concerned. They're going to be disappointed. They'll be stuck in longer lines for buses and be paying more."
Matt Kieltyka reports for Vancouver 24 hours.
7
Login or register to post comments
DJT
2 years ago
??
Time to trade in the pass for individual tickets.
Dan the socialist
2 years ago
I am glad I have a bike to
I am glad I have a bike to ride.
Grumpy
2 years ago
I predicted this.........
.....some time ago!
When you build metros and subways on routes that do not have the ridership to sustain them, they must be subsidized and one must pay higher transit fares. Simple economics.
For a comparison with other cities -
http://railforthevalley.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/fares-fair-translinks-fares-compared/
Or the reason why fares are increasing -
http://railforthevalley.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/trouble-at-translink-for-whom-the-tax-tolls/
circle A
2 years ago
I`m looking forward...
to the impending back to school/end of summer transit mess sure to occur when all the south surrey/tswassen/ladner etc bus riders get rail roaded out of their buses and onto the canada line.Surely you`ll hear the translink spokesweasels crow about the high ridership but as allways cost and inconvenience to commuters won`t be of much concern.
morechatter
2 years ago
Cities where tricked
That is how they feel now that the Evergreen line has been put to pasture.
What did BC get for its billions? Or better yet what did the CEO get for British Columbians billions? A train that takes you to the airport that costs you 6 bucks a ride. It is going up to. Is it what the cities needed? As cab drivers cry foul as airport trips are few and far between causing hardship for drivers as upcoming Olympics approachs and hugh loses are inevitable.
Wouldn't it have made more sense to build the much needed Evergreen Line first as it would have helped bring the cities together. Instead this guy, Canadian Line,CEO has just ripped off drivers with his little train that takes you for a ride to the airport.
morechatter
2 years ago
True Costs To the Public
You got to know the Canadian Line is costing citizens a whole lot more than being told. And cuts to services is a given. And its Not like what is being said by government can be believed. That makes it even tougher as one never knows quite what to expect with the Liberals.
How much is the Canadian Line actually costing citizens? I do believe it is one of those questions that is going to help put BC's buget in the double digits.
Grumpy
2 years ago
The Canada Line's cost.......
....is actually closer to $3 billion, but Gordo and the 'Bird' will never tell.
It is time the BC Auditor General is called to do a forensic audit of the RAV/Canada Line and SkyTrain, before we sink any more money into metro.
http://railforthevalley.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/%e2%80%9cif-you-tell-a-lie-big-enough-and-keep-repeating-it-people-will-eventually-come-to-believe-it-the-lie-can-be-maintained-only-for-such-time-as-the-state-can-shield-the-people-from-the-politic/