Mayor Brian Bowman announced Wednesday, December 5, 2018, that Executive Policy Committee will be considering a motion to recommend to council that transit fares for 2019 be frozen at 2018 levels.
The Chief Financial Officer for the city has the authority to increase fares under the Fees and Charges By-law by an amount equal to or less than the rate of inflation unless directed by a Council resolution not to.
“Council made the very difficult decision last year to raise transit fares to help cover a projected revenue shortfall in transit, a department that is now projecting a year-end surplus in the millions and that’s in the midst of conducting a comprehensive operational review,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “For transit riders, even an inflationary adjustment in this context is incomprehensible and equally unnecessary.”
The motion from EPC will recommend that Council direct the Chief Financial Officer to freeze Winnipeg Transit fares at 2018 levels starting January 1, 2019, for a period of one calendar year, and that this freeze in fares be included as part of the 2019 budget process.
Usually, transit fares are increased by at least 5 cents every January 1st.
© 2018 News 4
.
