Metrolinx votes to increase GO Transit fares by 5% for longer trips

Metrolinx has approved a five per cent GO Transit fare increase for longer trips, effective Feb 1, 2016.

The changes wereapproved in a Metrolinxboard meeting on Thursday morning.

Under the new fare structure:

• Fares under $5.70 will be frozen as part of the new change.
• Riders who currently pay between $5.70-6.50 per trip will see a 40-cent increase.
• Riders who currently pay between $6.51-8.25 will see a 50-cent increase.
• Riders who pay more than $8.25 per trip, such as those travelling to and from Hamilton or Barrie,will see a 60-cent increase.

The board also approved to increasethe discount applicable to Presto card users by just over oneper cent.

A staff documentfrom the board meeting stated that the fare increase was recommended "to meet the needs of our growing customer base and to ensure long term financial sustainability for the corporation."