Fare hikes for GO Transit, Union-Pearson Express could be coming this fall

Starting this fall, it could cost you more to ride the GO Train and Union-Pearson Express.

A report heading to the Metrolinx board of directors Wednesday says staff are recommending a three per cent increase for single-ticket adult fares greater than $5.65. Taking the express train from Union to Pearson International Airport would cost 35 cents more, up from $12.00 to $12.35.

The report says the increase is"necessary" to meet the needs of its growing customer base, expand services and ensure the provincial transit agency is financially sustainable.

• Metrolinx to consider transit fares based on distance travelled
• TTC riders say 10-cent fare hike means paying more for less

"I completely appreciate that no one wants to pay more," said Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins. "We didn't increase fares last year and like household expenses, our operating costs have risen. Not increasing fares isn't sustainable."

If approved, the cost of short-distance trips would be frozen and loyalty discounts for PRESTO card users would remain unchanged.

But student and senior fares would also see increases, as would fares for groups.

"The approach of freezing fares of shorter-distance trips will help make transit fares in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area more consistent by ensuring the cost of these trips remain more comparable to local transit fares," the report states.

The proposed increase comes after fares were frozen earlier this year following regular hikes of about five per cent per year each February from 2013 to 2016.

It is unknown if the fares would increase again in February 2018.