TORONTO - GO Transit riders will soon be paying more for their commutes.
Metrolinx -- the provincial agency that runs the transit system -- has voted to approve a fare hike starting Feb. 18.
The increase in each adult fare depends on distance travelled on the system's buses and trains.
Fares that now cost $4.20 to $5.50 will go up by 30 cents while those between $5.51 and $7 will go up 35 cents.
Fares now over $7 will go up by 40 cents.
An adult monthly pass will now save riders about 15 per cent on fares instead of the current 18 per cent, while students will see their discount cut to 30 per cent from 32 per cent.
PRESTO users will continue to save the same amount with their 40-ride tickets.
Metrolinx says the fare hike will help GO Transit cope with increased fuel and hydro costs and meet growing ridership demands.
It says the hike averages about five per cent for the purchase of a single fare and is in line with increases by other transit agencies in the region.
GO Transit links Toronto with surrounding regions including the Hamilton area, and carries about 57 million passengers a year.
