When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold a year ago, transit ridership plummeted, hitting TransLink’s pocketbook. As a result, the annual fare hike was cancelled for 2020. Now, the agency that operates Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit system is looking at raising the cost of taking the bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus starting on July, 1st, 2021.
According to Global News, TransLink’s board of directors will meet this coming Thursday to decide upon the 2.3% increase to fares on the system. A projected five to 15 cent addition on ticket prices dependent on zone and fare type is expected.
A look at the upcoming meeting agenda (page 53) included a chart of the fares.
Single-use Cash Tickets | |||
Zone | Current Fare | New Fare | |
Adult | |||
1 | $3.00 | $3.05 | |
2 | $4.25 | $4.35 | |
3 | $5.75 | $5.90 | |
Concession | |||
1 | $1.95 | $2.00 | |
2 | $2.95 | $3.00 | |
3 | $3.95 | $4.05 | |
Cash | |||
All Zones | $3.00 | $3.05 | |
Stored Value Compass Card | |||
Adult | |||
1 | $2.40 | $2.45 | |
2 | $3.45 | $3.55 | |
3 | $4.50 | $4.60 | |
Concession | |||
1 | $1.95 | $2.00 | |
2 | $2.95 | $3.00 | |
3 | $3.95 | $4.05 | |
FareSaver/Compass Card single trip | |||
All Zones | $2.40 | $2.45 | |
Monthly Pass | |||
Adult | |||
1 | $98.00 | $100.25 | |
2 | $131.00 | $134.00 | |
3 | $177.00 | $181.05 | |
Concession | |||
All Zones | $56.00 | $57.30 | |
DayPass | |||
Adult | |||
All Zones | $10.50 | $10.75 | |
Concession | |||
All Zones | $8.20 | $8.45 |
Originally, a 4.1% fare increase was proposed for 2021 to help fund expansion and upgrade projects, such as the Millennium Line Broadway subway and Expo Line Langley extension. A 4.6% fare increase was called off for last year due to decreased ridership when the pandemic took hold forcing many people to work from home and cancelling events.
Ridership in 2020 dropped nearly 61% when compared to the previous year.
Sources: Global News, TransLink
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