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Transit fares to rise

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.

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