Taking the bus is going to hit the wallet a little harder in 2023.
Timmins Transit fares are increasing on Jan. 1.
For single rides, the price will increase 25 cents.
According to the city bylaw, that puts the cost of an adult single ride at $3.50, seniors and students at $3.25 and a day pass at $8.25. For Handy Transit, the cost for a single ride for adults will be $3.50, and $3.25 for students and seniors.
The cost for monthly passes is going up by around $2 each. The new price for adults will be $82.50, and $58.75 for seniors. The cost for students will continue to be $67.
Timmins council approved a five-year user fee rate increase in 2020.
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While the bylaw approved shows no rate increase in 2023, the rates were frozen because of the pandemic and the city is currently charging the 2021 rate.
“In order for our rates to be realigned with the user fee by-law, the regular increase will be implemented for 2023,” said Ken Krcel, director of Public Works and Environmental Services, in a news release. “The alternative, continuing to freeze fare rates, would result in a significant increase at a future point in time.”
Timmins Transit is still running at a reduced service level and has not run at a full-service level since the early stages of the pandemic. It's currently offering a Saturday schedule Monday to Saturday and a regular Sunday schedule.
“Ridership numbers have not bounced back from COVID-19,” said Krcel. “We monitor them regularly and can act fast to adjust the schedule, if required. We have seen an increase in monthly bus pass sales, which we attribute to the start of the school year and the addition of the Northern College Express. It’s a step in the right direction.”
Transit fares cover about 19 per cent of the cost to run the service in 2021, according to the City of Timmins.
The full bylaw laying out fee increases is available here.
