Student “Save” and Ride the TTC 

Looks like the countless numbers of student signatures, emails, and petitions against the Toronto Transit Commission’s recent proposed fare hike paid off with a final saving of $22 every month on metropasses! On November 17, student representatives from across the GTA had met with TTC officials to not only dodge the price increase, but save students thousands of dollars yearly! 

Regular metropasses will increase from a current fare of $109 to $126. It was proposed that with the Volume Incentive Program (VIP), students would be paying $ 111 for a monthly metropass from a current $96; which is a $15 dollar increase. Now, students in universities and colleges will be able to purchase VIP metropasses for $99, and regular passes for $121. Once again, that’s a total saving of $22! 

Other changes that are to be implemented include the criteria to which students are eligible to receive discounts on metropasses. At present, metropass discounts apply to only those considered “students”.  A student means one who is under 25 years of age, enrolled in full time studies, and attending an institution within the GTA. On November 17th however, TTC officials voted in favor of extending the metropass discount to students, regardless of their age, course load, or geographic location. 

Student Unions across the GTA, including the Scarborough Campus Students’ launched the Fair Student Fares campaign in response to the price increase proposals. Within two weeks, unions gathered thousands of petition signatures and emails against this proposal. As such, we were able to have our voices heard, and have a positive impact for the students.  It is victories like these that demonstrate the effectiveness of student unions!