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OC Transpo will mark the long-awaited opening of the Confederation LRT Line next year by raising transit fares, but low-income riders will finally get a break on single-ride trips.

A year after launching the monthly EquiPass for eligible transit users who live below the low-income cut-off, OC Transpo will introduce EquiFare.

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The single-ride fare will cost $1.75, compared to the 2018 single-ride cash fare of $3.50.

READ: Ottawa city’s draft budget keeps tax promise, puts focus on infrastructure, social services

OC Transpo is aiming to make the new fare available before the end of June 2018, Mayor Jim Watson said Wednesday in his budget address to city council.

The total EquiPass and EquiFare subsidy in 2018 will increase to $3.7 million, from $2.7 million this year.

About 2,600 eligible transit riders per month, based on the last three months, have purchased the EquiPass. That’s lower than what OC Transpo anticipated.