TORONTO—In January, the TTC will increase the cost of riding public transit for the sixth time in six years. Riders are fed up with what they feel is unfair treatment and they’re calling for a boycott.
“These fare increases are out of control!” said boycott organizer Benjamin Kern. “We have to fight back the only way we can, by boycotting services. Which I would totally do if I didn’t need to take transit to work. But everyone else should boycott so we can send a message!”
Riders will be asked to pay 10 cents more for tokens and almost five dollars more for a monthly pass. “It’s outrageous,” said devoted bus rider Eleanor Grossman. “I stand behind this initiative and will be boycotting the TTC on Sundays, when I normally stay home.”
Forced to rely on fares and the city to meet costs, the TTC is facing a $61 million shortfall. “Fare increases are one of the only choices we have to raise revenue,” said transit representative Ashley Chad. “It’s the same thing we tell people every time. But hey, if you can buy, insure, maintain and gas up a car for less? Go for it.”
In a related story, gas prices are expected to climb in December.