TransLink riders can expect a 12.5-per-cent fare hike across the board by next year but transit authorities say they are willing to lend an ear to complaints.
The transit commissioner is asking for public feedback on the proposed increase by Feb. 15 but TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie says the increase to all fares has been in the works since 2009.
"We had a choice between sustaining the high levels of services that people are looking for or to cut back those services in order to keep costs low," Hardie said.
He explained that system upgrades to buses and SkyTrains since 2005 have required fees to go up.
For commuters that buy monthly 3-zone passes, a year of travel will cost more than $2,000. The monthly pass currently sells at $151 but will ring in the new year at $170.
The smallest adjustment paid upfront will be to the 1-zone cash fare, which is set to rise from $2.50 to $2.75.
You can send in your comments about the fare hikes to TransLink at: comments@translinkcommission.org
