TTC approves 10 cent fare hikes for next four years

In the least surprising news you'll hear all day, the TTC voted to approve a 10 cent fare hike effective January 1st. In addition to the upcoming increase, the Commission also approved (in principle) 10 cent hikes for three additional years up until 2015. Cash fares will remain at $3 for 2012, while tokens and metropass will increase to $2.60 and $126, respectively.

Also noteworthy from today's meeting was the approval of a last minute plan to maintain current rates of service on the city's busiest bus routes thanks to an expected $5 million in savings on diesel fuel. That, at least, will be some consolation to those who rely on bus routes on streets like Dufferin and Finch.

In addition to the maintenance of loading standards on these bus routes — the details of which have yet to be revealed — WheelTrans service will remain for at least another six months, during which the Commission will attempt to secure alternate funding.

Keeping up current service levels on busy routes probably isn't something to be overjoyed about, but will this make the fare hike easier to take?

Photo by Steve Hoang in the blogTO Flickr pool