Victory for TTC student fare

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Written by Shirley Lin

Ryerson students will have an extra $12 in their pockets after the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) voted to increase students’ monthly Metropass by only $3 at the meeting on Nov. 17.

Officials supported a motion to give college and university students a break, granting them the same Metropass discount that high school students will receive at $99. The meeting was to decide on the proposed fare hike amidst a budget shortfall of $106 million.

“This is historic,” said Toby Whitfield, Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) vice-president finance services. “This is the first time that students are being recognized by the TTC as students.”

Currently, Ryerson students pay $96 for their monthly Metropass under the VIP plan through the RSU. Students will only have to shell out an extra $3, instead of paying the proposed $111. The decision also includes part-time students in post-secondary. The discounted pass is not transferable, so students will have to show identification to use it.

Adult riders will now have to pay an extra quarter to use the transit after the TTC voted in favour of the hike. A regular Metropass will now cost $121, an 11 per cent increase.

“Quite frankly, the students need a break,” said Joe Mihevc, TTC vice-chair.

“We have been trying for several years to try and figure out a way to lower prices for students; recognizing that they are a community in need. So we found a way.”

The RSU, alongside other Toronto student unions lobbied the TTC to extend high school students’ Metropass discount to post-secondary students. Citing youth unemployment and high tuition fees, student union leaders said students can’t afford to pay more.

“Students have had enough and can’t stomach another fare hike,” said Hamid Osman from the Canadian Federation of Students.