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Why is it “breaking news” that the TTC fares are going up? When the cost of bread, or milk, or anything else that more people use than the TTC it goes without mention. And when the cost of living goes up every year, we just call it inflation, but it’s not news.

When a politician suggests that s/he is going to cut taxes, freeze fees, etc, we should all look to a different politician as cuts and freezes are never going to work in the long run. Sure it might get them elected, so their own goals are achieved, but shouldn’t politicians be more interested in the greater good than their own personal success?

The cost of everything increases - get used to it. A 2.5% increase per year should be standard operating procedure for the TTC. Taxes and user fees should increase at a rate based on inflation every year. I know that this is an attitude that many will frown on, but if the last few mayors of the City Of Toronto had increased taxes/fees each year we would not be in the situation we are now where they are forced to close community centres, etc.

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The monthly metro pass was increased by $9 per month. This works out to a total monthly fee of $109. In order for a rider to make it worthwhile to buy a metro pass they now need to ride the TTC 49 times per month in order to break even vs. tokens/tickets (40 times vs. the cash fare). For the average rider who only goes to and from work Monday through Friday, this is barely achievable. For the more casual rider, there is absolutely no point in getting a pass. The monthly pass should be priced to attract the majority of riders. The goal of the monthly pass should be to sell as many as possible. Get more people buying it, people who buy it because it’s a bargain, and you remove them from their vehicles - reducing highway congestion and wear and tear on the roads - which saves the City and Province money. It’s a simple circle as I see it.

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As well, Toronto needs a rail line from the airport to the city centre, and a subway route along Queen Street. More on this later…

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