GO Transit commuters will likely pay more in 2016

GO Transit riders can expect to pay more in the new year, a Metrolinx report suggests.

The transit agency plans to increase the price about 5 per cent per trip, with those travelling the furthest paying the most. However, there are some discounts potentially on the way for Presto card users.

Commuters who pay between $5.60-6.50 per trip are likely to pay 40 cents more every time they travel, while those who pay more than $8.25 such as those travelling to Hamilton or Barrie, for example could wind up paying60 cents more per trip.

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In the report, Metrolinx said the price hike is needed to "meet the needs of our growing customer base and to ensure long-term financial sustainability for the corporation."

The transportation service will likely increase the discount for Presto card users from 10 to 11.15 per cent for adults, and more for students and seniors.

If approved, the net resultwill be a 5 per cent cost increase for the majority of customers, according to Metrolinx.

Short-range commuters will actually pay a bit lessand the price for trips under $5.69 are not going up under the proposed plan.

There are also some changes scheduled to come to the Union-Pearson Express rail service.

If the Metrolinx board agrees with staff, children under 12 will ride at no cost while the adult return fare will drop in an effort to attract "repeat usage."

The report found more than 79,000 people used the new service in October, up from 76,000 duringthe previous month.

The Metrolinx board is set to meet Thursday to vote on the proposed changes. If approved, the price changeswill take effect in February.