GO Transit wants to hike fares according to a staggered, three-tiered approach that would see riders who travel farther pay more, instead of the fixed increments of recent years.

For existing fares between $4.20 and $5.50, the increase would be 30 cents; between $5.51 and $7, the increase would be 35 cents; and over $7.01, the increase would be 40 cents.

“Metrolinx has experienced unprecedented ridership growth, but ridership growth alone will not be sufficient to manage cost escalations and the costs of new initiatives,” says the memo from chief financial officer Robert Sidall outlining the proposal. “Given the provincial fiscal context, Metrolinx must provide a balanced operating plan to ensure the reliability of operation.”

The increase, which would add $19.5 million to the coffers based on current ridership, would bolster improvements such as new parking spaces, improved customer communications and service reliability, well-maintained facilities, ongoing equipment maintenance and increased capacity in trains and buses, writes Sidall.

The Metrolinx board will discuss the proposed fare increase, which would be effective Feb. 18, on Monday. The last fare increase was in March 2010.

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