After approving a 10-cent increase, hiking transit fares to $2.85 next year, council will hear today about different funding options to help fast-track the LRT expansion.
And one includes more money from riders.
The three options being brought forward are a 0.5 per cent tax increase for seven years starting in 2012, a 25-cent fare surcharge and using money from provincial tax fuels.
Coun. Don Iveson, who thinks the surcharge, if considered, should only be for LRT users, brought the issue of fares to the table during budget deliberations, though withdrawing a motion to keep them status quo.
“The price says don’t just try this. Don’t use it casually,” said Coun. Don Iveson.
“I’ve always been pushing for a smart card, more innovative fares.”
He thinks shorter rides in off-peak hours should cost less, and some transit users agree.
“I don’t think they should do that because I have to come up with an extra dime now,” said Joe Gladue, adding he would likely pay $3 for a bus ride because of it.
Others, like Gary Kay, said fare increases and ticket surcharges are the way to go as opposed to an increase in taxes.
