TransLink will increase fares across Metro Vancouver transit by an average of 2.3 per cent effective July 1.
TransLink's Board of Directors approved a motion Thursday (March 24) for an increase of 2.3 per cent on all fare products. The decision is in alignment with the province's BC Safe Restart Agreement announced in September 2020, which supports lower fare increases.
In 2020, the transportation agency saw its ridership drop significantly and only recover to just over half of its pre-pandemic levels as of January 2022, notes the public agenda. The farebox revenue was approximately half of pre-pandemic amounts as a result.
TransLink also cancelled its previously planned July 1, 2020 fare increase and lowered the July 1, 2021 fare increase.
Last year, the board approved a fare increase of 2.1 per cent instead of the originally planned 4.1 per cent increase; it came into effect on July 1, 2021.
Annual fare increases were approved and planned for in 2017 as part of the 10-Year Mayors’ Vision to help pay for transit expansion projects.
TransLink has provided a breakdown of what the fare increase will look like for all of its riders.