City bus fares increasing March 1

Greater Sudbury Transit fares will increase March 1 by ten cents for most riders.

In a news release, the city said the increase “will help maintain customer service, facilities and equipment.”

Cash fares for adults and students will increase by 10 cents to $3.10. Children older than 5, seniors age 65 and older, as well as those who qualify for discounted fares through receipt of disability pensions or support programs will see an increase of five cents to $2.25.

Children age 4 and under ride free of charge.

Five Ride Cards will be $12.25 for adults and students and $9.25 for children, seniors and special discount fares. Ten Ride Cards will be $24.50 for adults and students and $18.50 for children, seniors and special fares, an increase of five cents per ride.

A 31-day pass will increase to $84 for adults, $78 for students and $50 for children, senior and special fares. This is an increase of $2 for adults and students and $1 for children, senior and special fares.

New programs launching this year include an employer pass program, a new day pass option, a family pass, and an Affordable Transit Pass Program.

Employers who wish to purchase more than 50 Greater Sudbury Transit passes for their employees may do so for a special rate between 5 and 30 per cent off the price of a 31-day adult pass. Discount is based on volume of passes purchased each month. Employers must make a minimum six-month commitment to participate in the program.

Day passes are bus passes that provide a single rider unlimited travel for one day from the start of the first transit service to the end of the service day.

Family passes are bus passes that provide unlimited travel for a maximum of five riders for one day from the start of the first transit service to the end of the service day.

Groups must consist of a minimum of one adult and not more than four youth (17 years of age or under) or a maximum of two adults and not more than three youth (17 years of age or under) or two adults.

An Affordable Transit Pass Program will launch March 1, offering a limited number of adult 31-day passes at a 50 per cent discount for qualified riders. Passes will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The program will be administered by Ontario Works. More information will be released when it becomes available.

City council has also approved 2016 budget options that will allow for the winter maintenance of 100 more Greater Sudbury Transit stops, beginning next winter. We will continue to monitor which stops will benefit most from additional winter maintenance in order to determine which 100 stops will be added to our regular maintenance program.