Transit Shenanigans

Photo courtesy of Flickr

It’s pretty common for prices to go up in Canada every couple years due to inflation.

For many, the bus is an economical and eco-friendly option for transportation. If you work downtown, the struggle is real when it comes to traffic, and most importantly, parking. The Convention Centre is currently charging $200 a month to park your vehicle. Similarly, the ongoing rate for lots in the area is over $150. In regards to students, University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba and Red River College all face the same ordeal—an average of $5 or more a day to park at meters or local lots. So where can Winnipegers save a buck?

Certainly not with Winnipeg Transit as prices are set to rise again on January 1, 2015. Below are the expected rates from Winnipeg Transit:

Full Fare	2014	2015
Cash	2.55	2.60
Ticket	2.20	2.25
Max 5 (Weekday Pass)	19.80	20.25
SuperPass (Mon-Sun Pass)	22.00	22.50
Monthly Pass	84.70	86.65
Reduced (Youth) Fare	2014	2015
Cash	2.05	2.10
Ticket	1.53	1.57
SuperPass (Mon-Sun Pass)	15.30	15.70
Monthly Pass	58.90	60.45
Senior Fare	2014	2015
Cash	2.05	2.10
Ticket	1.10	1.13
SuperPass (Mon-Sun Pass)	11.00	11.25
Monthly Pass	42.35	43.35
Post-Secondary	2014	2015
Monthly Pass	67.75	69.35
Handi-Transit	2014	2015
Cash	2.55	2.60
Ticket	2.20	2.25
Senior Ticket	1.10	1.13
Post Secondary Student Pass	67.75	69.35
Monthly Pass	84.70	86.65
Senior Monthly Pass	42.35	43.35

As you can see, students aren’t given any breaks in 2015, monthly passes going up almost $2.  In Calgary, adult fares are $3, and youths (ages 6 – 17) are $2. According to Expatistan, an online comparison between cities, Winnipeg is 20 per cent cheaper than Calgary when it comes to the cost of living. So when it comes to bus fare, why is that youth passes are five cents less than Calgary’s transit fare when they are proven to be much more expensive?  The big shocker is the youth monthly passes; Winnipeg will be 45 cents more in 2015 compared to Calgary.

A story running in the Winnipeg Sun on Nov. 25, 2014 provides overview of the costs. In the “Reader’s Comments” section, many people are not happy about it.

One person comments, “wow transit keeps increasing the rates and wonders why ridership is falling. I live 12 min by car from work and takes me two hours by bus, 3 of them to get there pretty sad not to mention busses are never on time and a lot of missed connection as well..”

Another person said, “I'm sick and tired of their fare increases! The service never gets any better. Maybe we need a competitor...”

Regardless, it is still significantly cheaper to ride the bus rather than service a car, pay for insurance and gas. In my case, I still insure my car, as well as ride the bus, so I’m paying for two services.

It would be nice of Winnipeg Transit to implement better service to back up their rising prices, or offer additional discounts to students or people with low income.

I would also encourage people to car pool if possible, a budget friendly idea with tons of perks—great company, divided parking and gas costs that could very well be less than a bus pass.

However your travelling, be safe and have a happy holiday!