BusTalk

[TTCBusbabe]

Dec 10, 2008 10:30 AM
Vanessa Lu
Staff Reporter

Toronto Mayor David Miller promised today to freeze TTC fares for next year.

"The growing economic crisis is having a profound effect on all of us. Many people have lost their jobs," he told reporters just before city council's special meeting to debate the $1.6 billion capital budget.

"People who are looking for work need to get around to find work."

Miller conceded that a fare freeze will put pressure on the TTC's budget, but argued TTC riders need a break.

The cash fare is now $2.75, or 10 tokens for $22.50. Last November, when fares were increased, the monthly Metropass jumped from $99.75 to $109.

"The economic situation has been nothing short of unpredictable. The scope of what we're witnessing is unprecedented and worldwide," Miller said.

City officials will continue to work toward the goal of a 2 to 4 per cent residential property tax hike when the operating budget is tabled next year.

He also argued that action is needed both locally and nationally, calling on the federal government to earmark funding for infrastructure and transit projects when Parliament resumes at the end of January.

He touted the city's plan to create and protect 35,000 jobs next year through capital spending on road repairs, bridge construction and new bike lanes. As well, the city plans to buy 360 new subway cars, 130 new buses and possibly more streetcars, if Ottawa agrees to kick in cash.

Opposition councillors including Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong will be calling on the city today to consider selling some real estate assets and reinvesting those funds in road construction and recreation facilities.

"I think a number of the city's assets are being underutilized and there's hidden value. We have to look at our real estate assets, which are worth over $16 billion," Minnan-Wong said.

Comments:
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/551451#Comments

TTC fares have changed a lot since you were a kid. In fact, they've changed a lot since your grandparents were kids. Have a look at the evolution of transit fares in this city over the last half century.


1954

Adult cash fare: 10 cents or 4 for 30 cents

1956

Adult cash fare: 15 cents or 4 for 50 cents

1960

Adult cash fare: 15 cents or 5 for 75 cents

1961

Adult cash fare: 20 cents or 7 for $1.00

1964

Adult cash fare: 20 cents or 6 for $1.00

1967

Adult cash fare: 25 cents or 5 for $1.00

1969

Adult cash fare: 30 cents or 4 for $1.00

1975

Adult cash fare: 40 cents or 3 for $1.00

1976

Adult cash fare: 50 cents or 5 for $2.00

1978

Adult cash fare: 55 cents or 7 for $3.00

1979

Adult cash fare: 60 cents or 6 for $3.00

1981

Adult cash fare: 65 cents or 7 for $4.00

1982

Adult cash fare: 75 cents or 8 for $5.00

1983

Adult cash fare: 85 cents or 6 for $4.00

1984

Adult cash fare: 90 cents or 7 for $4.90

1985

Adult cash fare: 95 cents or 5 for $5.90

1986

Adult cash fare: $1.00 or 5 for $4.00

1987

Adult cash fare: $1.00 or 6 for $5.00

1988

Adult cash fare: $1.05 or 8 for $7.00

1989

Adult cash fare: $1.10 or 8 for $7.50

1990

Adult cash fare: $1.20 or 7 for $8.00

1991

Adult cash fare: $1.30 or 7 for $7.50

1992

Adult cash fare: $2.00 or 5 for $5.50

1995

Adult cash fare: $2.00 or 10 for $15.00

1996

Adult cash fare: $2.00 or 10 for $16.00

1999

Adult cash fare: $2.00 or 10 for $17.00

2001

Adult cash fare: $2.25 or 10 for $18.00

2003

Adult cash fare: $2.25 or 10 for $19.00

2005

Adult cash fare: $2.50 or 10 for $20.00

2006

Adult cash fare: $2.75 or 10 for $21.00

2007

Adult cash fare: $2.75 or 10 for $22.50