TransLink still planning fare increases after $479M provincial funding announcement
Two weeks after it received $479 million in funding from the provincial government to help stabilize its operations, TransLink is expected to approve an increase in fares for Metro Vancouver transit users.
TransLink's Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on the modest fare increase at its next meeting on March 29, and the transit authority's staff recommends the board vote in favour of the change.
If approved, the increase would see the cost of a one-zone trip rise by five cents for all users of the system, beginning on July 1.
Adult cash fares for one-zone trips would go from $3.10 to $3.15, while Compass Card users would see the cost go from $2.50 to $2.55.
Concession one-zone fares – whether paid in cash or by Compass Card – would rise from $2.05 to $2.10.
The costs of daily and monthly passes, West Coast Express and multi-zone fares would also increase, with most products seeing increases of five or 10 cents per trip. The full proposed fee schedule can be found in the board's agenda for its next meeting.
The board's vote on the proposed fare increases is scheduled to happen exactly two weeks after B.C. Premier David Eby, Transportation Minister Rob Fleming and TransLink Mayors' Council chair Brad West announced a major provincial investment in the regional transportation system on March 15.
The trio, along with TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn, described the province's $479-million contribution as necessary to stabilize the agency's funding and prevent it from facing a "death spiral" of service cuts that cause reduced ridership, leading to reduced revenue and further cuts.
"If we did nothing, there would be fewer buses, fewer SkyTrains – in short, fewer ways to get around," said Eby during the announcement.
The officials also noted that the investment would help "keep fares stable" and ensure that TransLink can continue to fund capital improvements like the planned SkyTrain extensions to UBC and Langley.
The board's agenda indicates that the proposed fare increases are part of TransLink's 2022 Investment Plan, and are limited to an average of 2.3 per cent per year from 2021 to 2024 under the BC Safe Restart Agreement signed in September 2020.
Asked to explain the need for fare increases in light of the recent funding injection, a TransLink spokesperson pointed to these plans and limitations, characterizing the increase as modest.
"TransLink’s annually scheduled fare increase helps pay for the growing cost of transit and is far lower than the rate of inflation," the spokesperson told CTV News in an email.
"We continue to have some of the lowest fares of any major transit agency in Canada."
CTV News reached out to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ask it to clarify the meaning of the pledge to "keep fares stable" and comment on the necessity of a scheduled fare increase in light of the recently announced funding.
In a statement, the ministry echoed the TransLink board agenda, citing the 2020 agreement that caps fare increases through 2024.
"Affordability is a top priority for this government and we are determined to keep price increases low for transit users," the ministry's statement reads, in part.
"The B.C. government continues to support public transit across the province at an unprecedented level – we made transit free for kids 12 and under, saving families hundreds of dollars a year."
The ministry said the $479 million is intended to "address TransLink's short-term operating funding needs," adding that it was necessary to ensure the agency can maintain service "while keeping transit affordable."
"Our government will continue working with TransLink to ensure equitable public transit fares – affordability is critical to encourage mode-shift from vehicles to public transit," the ministry said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been "successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant."
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering third-degree burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a national park in California where temperatures soared past 50 C.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Australian field hockey player opts to amputate part of his finger in order to compete in Paris Olympics
In the run up to the Paris Olympics, athletes have been stepping up their preparations in order to maintain their edge over competitors. But for Australia’s Matt Dawson, those preparations looked a little different this year, with the field hockey player opting to have part of his finger amputated in order to compete in the Games.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.