Mark Sutcliffe is set to unveil a significant policy proposal as part of his re-election campaign by introducing a transit platform that includes a promise to reduce the cost of OC Transpo’s adult monthly pass by $43.50. This marks a change in direction for the mayor, who previously expressed concerns that any fare adjustments could negatively impact the transit system’s finances, emphasizing the importance of reliability over pricing for passengers.
Under his plan, the price of an adult transit pass would decrease from $138.50 to $95 per month, while discounted passes for seniors and low-income individuals would remain unaffected. Sutcliffe’s announcement follows the revelation of details regarding a transit campaign announcement scheduled for Monday, prompting an interview request from CBC to confirm and discuss the proposal. Sutcliffe hopes that the reduced fare will encourage more individuals to consider using public transit for their daily commute.
The projected cost of the fare reduction is estimated to be between $8 million to $10 million annually, factoring in the anticipated increase in ridership. This additional revenue is expected to offset the overall cost, which would otherwise amount to approximately $15 million to $17 million per year. The funding for this initiative is anticipated to be derived from the savings resulting from the planned LRT upload to Metrolinx.
Sutcliffe mentioned that further discussions with OC Transpo staff would be necessary to determine whether the total monthly fares could be capped at $95 for riders utilizing individual trip payment methods like Presto, debit, credit, or cash. While the commitment is currently intended for a single year, Sutcliffe expressed openness to extending it based on its effectiveness.
Other mayoral candidates have also outlined their transit proposals. Neil Saravanamuttoo has proposed a “buck a ride, citywide” initiative with single fares set at $1 and a monthly cap of $40, while Jeff Leiper aims to reverse recent bus route changes, enhance bus lanes, and introduce a transit guarantee for riders. Alex Lawson’s plan includes an express bus network, fare collection improvements, and enhanced safety measures within the transit system.
Sutcliffe emphasized that the financial challenges faced by OC Transpo, compounded by reduced ridership levels post-pandemic, necessitated innovative solutions to attract more users. With the forthcoming LRT upload and operational changes, Sutcliffe believes the transit system is primed for growth, making the reduced fare initiative timely and beneficial for both riders and the city.
Overall, Sutcliffe’s proposal signals a strategic shift in addressing the financial sustainability of OC Transpo while prioritizing affordability and accessibility for commuters.