And did you know...
- If TTC fares had increased only as fast as inflation since the subway started running in 1954, a single fare would cost $1.30 today?
- Riders bear 71% of the cost of running Toronto's transit system though our fares, the highest percentage of any major North American city?
- The current government subsidy of 89 cents per rider is the lowest of any major North American transit system?
Are you tired of waiting, being squished like a sardine and paying too much? We are too, and that's why we're asking that the City increase its share of TTC costs to $1.26 per rider in the 2016 budget. That's what it will take just to:
- deliver on committed service improvements
- implement proposed service improvements
- avoid another fare increase, and provide free passes to social assistance recipients and subsidized passes to low income earners
TTCriders is also pushing for funding to make up the TTC’s $2.8B capital budget shortfall so we can buy new buses and streetcars, cover critical repairs, and improve accessibility.
In order to lower fares and bring our transit service up to the level Torontonians could really call adequate, we need the province to step up with funding at the same level: $1.26 per rider.
TTCriders urges you to take action this month. Here's how:
1. Share your stories - talk about your sardine experience, your wait times from one of Toronto’s transit deserts, or the impact of Toronto’s high fares on your own household at our media conference on November 23 at noon and/or at the TTC Commission meeting at 1:00. We can help you prepare. Contact [email protected] to find out more.
2. Show your support - come down to City Hall on November 23 at noon for our media conference and stay to fill the TTC Commission meeting at 1:00 where fare increases are on the agenda. RSVP to [email protected]. TTCriders t-shirts and sardine props provided!
3. Spread the word - TTCriders has postcards designed to raise awareness of the urgent need for more funding for the TTC which we invite you to give out at your bus, streetcar or TTC stop in the run-up to the November 23 TTC Commission meeting. Email [email protected] to arrange pick-up from our office at CSI Annex.
4. Sign our petition for a fair deal for riders.
5. Email your City Councillor to tell them you want more funding for the TTC.
6. Support TTCriders' advocacy work on behalf of all transit riders in Toronto by becoming a member and attending our 2nd annual TTCriders Fundraising Rendezvous on November 25.
Image by www.work.alexandrafox.ca