December 22, 2003 York Region Transit fares to change

NEWMARKET – On January 1, 2004, York Region Transit (YRT) will be introducing a new fare schedule for its riders.

The fare adjustment is the result of an annual review, conducted to ensure a reasonable cost recovery target, a sustainable rate of return, discount options for regular YRT customers and ensuring GTA-wide fare consistency for the upcoming year.

The changes will see a maximum increase of 10 cents for adult and senior fares and increases of a maximum of 25 cents for express services. Child and student fares will remain the same.

"These very reasonable fare adjustments will allow York Region Transit to proceed with planned operational improvements for 2004," said Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch. "York Region Transit continues to be a very economical way for our residents to travel, and one of the least expensive transit services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)."

YRT leads the GTA with one of the highest percentage increases of riders in the country, with a growth rate of over 10 per cent per year since the service was amalgamated in 2001.

For a full breakdown of the new YRT fare structure, please see the attached Fact Sheet.

For more information about YRT routes and fares, visit the York Region Transit Web site at www.yorkregiontransit.com or call toll-free at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978) to speak with a YRT customer representative.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.region.york.on.ca

Revised York Region Transit fares for January 2004

NEWMARKET - The following table details the existing York Region Transit (YRT) fare structure with the approved fare increases, effective January 1, 2004.

Fare Category

Current

January 2004

Adult Ticket

$1.90

$2.00

Adult Cash

$2.25

$2.25

Student Ticket

$1.40

$1.40*

Student Cash

$1.60

$1.60*

Child Cash

$1.00

$1.00*

Child Ticket

$1.00

$1.00*

Express Cash

$2.25

$2.50

Express Ticket

$2.00

$2.25

GTA Weekly Pass

$1.84

$1.84

Student – 7 Day Pass

$1.30

$1.30*

Multipass

$1.80

$1.85*

Senior Cash

$1.25

$1.30*

Senior Ticket

$1.10

$1.20*

Senior Pass

$0.83

$0.88*

Student – 5 Day Pass

$1.20

$1.25

GO Train 0.25cents

0.25cents

0.25cents

*Indicates York Region Transit rates that are lower than current Greater Toronto Area average

York Region Transit fares to change in New Year

Revised York Region Transit fares for January 2004