TTC staff suggest a 10 cent fare increase starting March 2020

Transit riders could be asked fork out an extra 10 cents beginning in March next year, new operating budget documents released Friday show.

If approved, the increase is expected to generate $31.4 million in passenger revenues, excluding Presto commissions, TTC staff say.

The fare increase is one of several proposals made by staff to the TTC board in response to the "the fiscal and service challenges ahead."

The board is also being asked to approve a 2020 year-end workforce complement of 16,167 positions, reflecting an increase of 142 positions to support service delivery and 74 positions for capital project delivery.

Meanwhile, Mayor John Tory has welcomed the plan to hire an additional 50 transit enforcement officers specifically to crack down on fare evasion.

Fare evasion 'outrageous and infuriating': mayor

In a statement following the release of the budget documents, Tory said it is totally unacceptable for people to ride the TTC without paying their fare.

"It is theft and reports of fare evasion this year have been outrageous and infuriating," the statement reads.

Tory said while this is just the beginning of the budget process, he is heartened to see the staff-proposed budget will hire the additional enforcement officers for revenue control, to make sure people are paying their fares particularly on streetcars. 

This budget also hires 124 more operators to offer more frequent and reliable services on the TTC's busiest routes and, for the first time, includes funding for the $1.5 billion Yonge-Bloor Station expansion, Tory said.

Fare hike is Doug Ford's fault, NDP transit critic says

Meanwhile, Ontario NDP transit critic Jessica Bell is pointing an accusing finger at the Doug Ford government for the proposed fare hike.

Bell noted that the Ford government on Thursday voted down her private member's motion  — Better Transit Now — which calls on the province to match municipal funding for critical public transit operations and maintenance.

"By refusing to contribute its fair share to transit, the Ford government is paving the way for a 10-cent fare hike, along with more breakdowns and delays for TTC riders.

 "If this government actually wanted to help people get to where they need to go on time, if it actually wanted to solve congestion and help people afford fares, it would start fairly funding the TTC and transit agencies across Ontario."