Regular riders of Greater Sudbury Transit stand to benefit from a new transit fare structure — including new ride cards, prices and policies — that takes effect July 1.
Among the changes are more flexible bus transfers, which will now be valid for 90 minutes and are good for any bus. That means riders can now run errands and then re-board the same bus at no additional charge.
The changes will also make it easier for families to travel together — up to four children age 12 or younger can ride free when accompanied by an adult or senior with a 31-Day Pass.
Monthly passes are being reduced to $88 for adults and $75 for students, while seniors will still pay a discounted rate of $56 a month. And photo ID is no longer required, so bus passes can be shared among family.
Students, youth, seniors 65 plus and individuals in receipt of a disability pension can save with the $15 purchase of a 6-Ride Card. Adults can save with the $17.50 purchase of a 6-Ride Card.
And family day passes for $10 provides unlimited travel for one adult and up to four youth aged 12 and under for a full day.
Discounts for frequent riders have been offset with a new one ride cash fare of $3.50 for all ages. The new cash fare replaces the previous fare category for seniors, children and disability pensioners. Children age four and under remain free of charge.
City council approved the new fare structure as part of a comprehensive plan to reform transit into a more efficient and responsive service.
Dubbed the 'Greater Sudbury Transit Action Plan: Better Routes. Better Schedules. Better Service,' the next step in the reform plan is the launch of new routes and schedules on Aug. 26.
“The Greater Sudbury Transit Action Plan is built on community engagement,” Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is quoted as saying in a news release. “One thing we heard loud and clear is that residents wanted a more flexible fare structure. These new fare options not only thank our frequent riders for making environmentally conscious transportation choices, but also encourage new ridership by giving options that work for many lifestyles.”
More information about new Greater Sudbury Transit fares is available at GreaterSudbury.ca/Transit.
