[SteelTown]

Hamilton council OKs second bus fare hike of the year

November 26, 2007

Transit users will be doling out an extra 15 cents to ride the bus in January.

Councillors approved the fare hike 10-4 Monday, marking the second increase this year.

As of January, adult riders will pay $2.40 cash or $1.85 for a ticket.

Accessible transit will also increase 10 cents, while adult passes increase $8 a month.

Lynn Aquin implored council to reject the increase, saying bus fares already cut into her grocery budget.

“Very often two or three weeks can go by when I have no money at all.”

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he supports the fare increase because it’s coupled with service expansions in Waterdown and on the Mountain.

“We need to ensure we get extra dollars into the system to enhance it.”