Toronto transit fares frozen, $1.6 B capital budget approved

In a step to address Toronto'sdeteriorating economic situation,Mayor David Miller has announced a freeze on public transitfares.

Miller told reporters at City Hall on Wednesday thatcurrent economic conditions are "nothing short of unpredictable" andnofare increase will be imposed next year by the Toronto Transit Commission.

"The scope of what we're witnessing is unprecedented and worldwide," Miller said as he headed into a meeting to discuss the city's 2009 capital budget,

Right now commuters pay a $2.75 cash fare, or $22.50 for 10 tokens, with discounts for seniors, children and students.

A monthly adult Metropass sells for $109.

Miller's announcement means those fares will stay put for at least the next 12 months.

Miller acknowledged that many people areout of work or likely to lose their jobs, andit would be a bad time to increase the cost of public transportation for peoplelooking for work.

"The TTC's budget is under considerable pressure.I spoke to the general manager last night and asked him to do everything in his power where I could be able to recommend a fare freeze.Which means the TTC's going to have to look at its budget very carefully,"Miller said.

The last increase in TTC fares was in November 2007, when the price of a Metropass increased from $99.75 to$109.

Late Wednesday council did approvethe $1.6-billion capital budget for 2009, with nearly half the money targeted at repairing and maintaining the TTC.

New bike lanes, self-serve library kiosks, a city services call centre, even renovations to Toronto City Hall's wedding chapel are also getting some attention. But it is the city's transit system that is at the top of the agenda.

A total of $782 million will be spent on keeping existing bus, subway and streetcar lines working.