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Manconi says there’s no direct correlation between increased fare enforcement and OC Transpo’s faltering first-quarter revenue, which was another topic the transit commission discussed at its meeting on Wednesday.

Transit services finished the first three months of 2015 with a $3.3-million deficit. Manconi blamed the loss largely on the bitterly cold winter, which drove up maintenance and fuel costs.

The maintenance unit spent $1.8 million more than expected due to prolonged cold weather, while diesel costs were $500,000 higher than budgeted due mainly to higher than expected fuel prices. Higher winter maintenance and utility bills cost $936,000 more than what was budgeted.

But revenue in the first quarter was $600,000 below what was budgeted. This was partly offset by higher ad income, so overall revenue was $400,000 under budget.

Part of the drop in revenue is because some riders are changing the way they choose to pay their fares, Manconi said.

For example, the adult cash fare is now $3.45, but only $2.77 using the Presto e-purse.

That Presto cards are transferable — for example, a person can buy a monthly express pass to use for commuting to work, but give it to their child to use at night or on weekends — is another one of the system’s benefits, said transit commission chair Stephen Blais.

But it also means a potential revenue loss, which suggests future revenue projections may require a more conservative approach, he said.

Transit services will look at its budget for the rest of the year and determine what steps need to be taken to avoid going any further into the red, such as not filling certain vacancies and keep miscellaneous expenses down, Manconi said.

mpearson@ottawacitizen.com

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