Transit users are going to be paying more to board buses and SkyTrain cars in the region as of Jan. 1, 2013.
TransLink announced the fare increases in a press release on Nov. 13.
"The scheduled increase is part of TransLink's 2010 funding stabilization plan to support operations and keep the system in a state of good repair," the release stated. "This plan was approved by the mayors' council in 2009 and fare changes reaffirmed (by) TransLink's regional transportation commissioner in April 2012."
Adult one-zone fares will go from $2.50 to $2.75, two-zone fares from $3.75 to $4, and three-zone fares from $5 to $5.50.
Concession one-zone fares, for elementary and high school students from five to 19 years old are not increasing, but two-zone fares will increase from $2.50 to $2.75, and three-zone fares will increase from $3.50 to $3.75.
Monthly one-zone fare cards for adults are going up from $81 to $91, two-zone cards are increasing from $110 to $124, and three-zone cards from $151 to $170.
Monthly concession fare cards for all zones are going up from $46.50 to $52.
FareSaver ticket booklet prices for adults are not changing, but concession booklets are increasing from $17 to $17.50. HandyDart fees are also increasing, with one-and two-zone fares going up from $2.50 to $2.75, three-zone fares from $3.75 to $4, and four or more zone fares from $5 to $5.50.
The fares have not increased since 2008, so the increases reflect five years of inflationary costs at two per cent per year, the release stated, adding that fares make up 33 per cent of TransLink's revenues.
TransLink's last fare hike - about six per cent on average - drew criticism from transit users at the time.
"It's too much," Rozalia Iszabo, who rode the SkyTrain from Lougheed Town Centre to Production Way, told the NOW in January 2008.
"It's $2.50 here and $2.50 back. I don't have a car, and I can't walk at my age - it's too far," she said.
Burnaby-Edmonds MLA Raj Chouhan also reported that his office received complaints about the 2008 increase.
