Halifax Transit to propose 25-cent fare increase

Halifax Regional Council considers bus system cuts; hike would generate about $850,000

Halifax Transit is set to propose a 25-cent increase to bus fares at the city’s budget meeting on March 1, saying the new fare should generate $847,848 in revenue over the next year.  

If approved by Halifax Regional Council, adult transit fares would increase to $3 from $2.75, while youth and senior fares would increase to $2.25 from $2. Prices for bulk tickets, monthly passes and Upass, or university student passes, will also increase. 

The increase would bring Halifax fares level with London, Ont. and be higher than Victoria, B.C., two cities with comparable populations. 

Currently, Halifax transit fares are in between these cities. In London, adults pay $3 and in Victoria, they pay $2.50.

Halifax Transit declined comment on the possible increase until after the presentation at the budget committee meeting. After the presentation, members of the public and councillors will have a chance to weigh in on the proposal. 

Council is also proposing to cut back on transit route services from February to August and possibly suspend some routes permanently. The first transit service cuts are to begin on Feb. 27. 

Halifax Transit’s proposal adds the Moving Forward Together Plan, or MFTP, to the list of possible cuts. This would cancel many route changes that were supposed to be implemented in November of last year. Those changes are already delayed due to staff shortages. 

Alec Gallant

Alec Gallant

Alec Gallant (They/Them) is currently pursuing a four year Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) degree with a minor in Creative Writing. They are originally from Prince Edward Island. Alec is the current publisher for The Watch, King's Independent News Magazine.

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5 comments

  1. So we are looking at cut backs and pulling out of proposals on top of a fare increase. I fail to see why tax payers should have to pay more and receive less. Who stands to gain? I’ve lived in London and visited Victoria. Both of these cities have vastly superior transit. They also have a greater population density. So why is Halifax transit failing us?

  2. Think ofthe environment.Taking the city transit should be encouraged not discouraged.

  3. Misuse of transfers and passes screw the tax payers as does the 12 year old rule. High schoolers say they are 12

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