The TTC has decided not to lower fares for seniors, families, and low-income passengers, according to a report released last week.
The decrease which was proposed TTC staff was declined by the TTC Board.
Maria Augimeri, councillor for Ward 9 (York Centre) and board member of the TTC, says the TTC makes decisions about their fares by considering their operating budget and the limitations of the budget.
“In the past three years, these budget limitations have been set artificially low by the city decision to reduce or keep its operating subsidy at the same level, while ridership grows.” says Augimeri.
The TTC, as a municipal commission, has the mandate and authority to set transit fares, including the establishment of discounted transit rates for specific social demographic groups, such as the elderly and minors.
The decision to not decrease the fares was announced during a TTC board members’ meeting on October 17.
In the past those who have been affected the most by budget cuts and freezes in the TTC have been the seniors, families and low-income passengers.
Augimeri says TTC’s Wheel-Trans service has also been reduced because of these cuts.
The TTC currently offers special discounted fares for students, children and seniors, which are lower than the adult fare.
“In an alternative environment, where the investment in the TTC was a greater City priority, I imagine staff would be writing in favour of changes like this,” says Augimeri. “Lastly, the TTC is partially a social service because it is a public service and aims to provide — as best as can be established — equal access to mobility across the city.”
Staff recommendations are presented during public meetings once a month. Once presented, TTC commissioners and board members vote on proposals. If the majority of commissioners disagree, they can overturn the staff recommendations.
According to TTC operating statistics, the system serves more than 1.6 million passengers on any given weekday.
Many students at York rely on the TTC as their primary method of going to and from the Keele Campus.
Second-year professional writing major, Omar Bishir, says “Considering the recent hike in fare costs, I personally believe it would be the appropriate step for them to explore giving discounts for seniors and low-income riders.”
Augimeri says the idea that it is not part of “the mandate and expertise of the TTC to effectively resolve broader social and community issues related to income distribution” is a fallacy.
She explains, however, that fare discounts would add to the TTC’s current operating budget pressures in 2014.
“For this reason, none of these initiatives are recommended for implementation in 2014.”
Daniel Calabretta
Contributor
