Stephen Blais says don't fret over 2016 OC Transpo hike

The chairman of Ottawa's transit commission says residents shouldn't be unduly concerned by the city's plan to hike transit fares in 2016.

"Like in everything in life — like businesses and like at home — our costs go up," said Coun. Stephen Blais Friday on Ottawa Morning. 

On Thursday, the city's transit commission passed a budget that would see transit fares go up an average 2.5 per cent next July.

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That means holders of regular adult bus passes, seniors, Presto card users and those who pay for fares with cash will have to pay more to use OC Transpo.

"When you look at $1.50 a month on a bus pass, that's probably the smallest increase in any of your household bills you're going to see," Blais told Ottawa Morning host Hallie Cotnam.

"Your gas bill will go up by more than that. Your electricity bill will go up by more than that. Your Netflix bill will go up by that."

'Tipping point' higher than increase

Not all fares, however, will go up if city council approves its 2016 budget. Some fares would be frozen — like the $1.90-per-trip fare for children and OC Transpo's community pass, used by people receiving benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Blais doubted the fare hike would negatively affect ridership levels, which have recently flatlined, according to comments OC Transpo general manager John Manconi made to transit commission in September.

"I don't think that a dollar is the difference between turning someone from a bus rider into a car rider," said Blais. 

"Parking downtown costs $200 a month. You add insurance, you add maintenance, you add gas — I think the tipping point is much higher than a dollar."

Council is scheduled to debate the budget — including the proposed hikes — next Wednesday.

• Listen to Stephan Blais's interview from Ottawa Morning.