NDP concerned that Ford will charge commuters more for transit

Doug Ford is refusing to commit to a planned reduction in GO transit fares within Toronto, which will mean commuters will pay more for transit, city streets will be packed with traffic, and TTC transit will continue to be jam-packed, says Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath.

“Transit should be fast and affordable for everyone in the GTA, and it should cost just $3 to take GO Transit and the UP Express anywhere in this city,” said Horwath during question period on Tuesday.

“But Doug Ford disagrees. This weekend, we found out he is refusing to lower the cost of GO trips within Toronto – forcing people to pay more for transit, and throwing Toronto's transit planning into question.”

The promise to lower GO Transit fares within the city to $3 was designed to relieve gridlock in the city, and packed conditions on existing TTC buses, subway cars and streetcars. And, Horwath said better integration between regional transit services – like the TTC, the UP Express, and GO Transit – will save money for commuters and families. The NDP’s Change for the Better platform promised a number of improvements to transit, including reduced GO and UP Express fares in the city, and better fare integration between regional transit agencies.

“Fast, convenient, and affordable transit is the best way to break gridlock, help our economy grow, and help families spend more time together. But the Ford is now refusing to back $3 fares on GO Transit and the UP Express,” said Horwath.

“After weeks of accusing City Hall of inaction on transit and gridlock, when will this government admit that it’s actually Mr. Ford who’s standing in the way of fast and affordable transit for Toronto commuters? Why does he want commuters to pay more for transit in Toronto?”