TransLink board OKs 2.3% fare increase, kicks in July 1
Posted March 27, 2024 7:06 am.
Last Updated March 27, 2024 7:49 pm.
Board members of TransLink officially voted Wednesday to increase its fares as of July 1, in an effort to improve service and alleviate “critical overcrowding.”
The fare hikes and an increase in the number of buses on the road were among the top issues set for discussion by TransLink board members Wednesday, as the group determines the future of transit in the region.
The fare hike was initially planned for amid budget considerations in previous years. The increase was floated as part of its 2022 Investment Plan.
TransLink noted at that time it entered into a pandemic relief agreement with the province in 2020 which has limited increases to 2.3 per cent “on average per year” between 2021 and 2024.
The increase means actual fare raises of five to 15 cents per trip, depending on how many zones passengers travel.
It’s all part of trying to maintain service levels across the region, CEO Kevin Quinn stated.
“Including better bus frequencies on approximately 60 routes. Increased Canada Line frequencies during peak hours. And earlier first weekday SeaBus sailings and enhanced late evening HandyDART service,” he explained.
This comes as TransLink posted a $472 million dollar surplus this year, largely thanks to $478.9 million in funding from the province.
TransLink plans to put dozens of new 40′ buses on the road and extend operating hours on some routes.
The transit provider is also looking at expanding the fleet more generally ahead of the implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT).
Listen to CityNews 1130 LIVE now!The transit authority’s “Deliver Tomorrow” report also sets out to boost the frequency of the Canada Line during peak hours and schedule earlier SeaBus sailings during the week.
But TransLink admits these proposals are merely a stop-gap “bridge” plan ahead of an update next year, noting it needs billions in funding from the federal and provincial governments for projects like transit to UBC and the gondola to SFU.
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