Whitehorse residents and Yukon NDP speak out against a proposed transit fare hike

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 11:55

The City of Whitehorse's Operating Budge proposed transit fare increase to $3.50 for a single ticket

The City of Whitehorse's 2025 Operating Budget proposes a 40% increase for transit fare, bringing the cost of a single ticket up from $2.50 to $3.50

The Yukon NDP are speaking out against a proposed increase to transit fare in Whitehorse.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, delegates raised concerns about affordable transit, and a proposed increase of 40% for transit fare in the 2025 Operating Budget.

Speaking with CHON-FM, Yukon NDP leader Kate White says that, compared to the proposed property tax increase of just 4.5%, the fare hike from $2.50 to $3.50 seems steep.

“I was looking at fares for adults,” said White. “Right now, it’s currently $62 a month, and it’s going to go up to $76; which means it’s $168 a year for monthly bus passes.”

“The question is: how come the city thinks that transit users should pay such an disproportionate increase?”

The proposed increase would easily raise Whitehorse’s adult single ticket fare above the going rate in similar areas. In Yellowknife and Fort St. John, a single ticket is only two dollars; while in Prince George, a single ticket costs $2.50.

The proposed fare hike would even surpass single fare in Toronto; Canada’s largest city. A single ticket for the Toronto Transit Commission is only $3.35; 15 cents cheaper than the proposed fare hike in Whitehorse.

An increase in the cost of fare is the exact opposite of what the Yukon NDP have been fighting for. In October, the Government of Yukon introduced a free public transit initiative that will allow not-for-profit organizations to distribute free tickets and passes. White says that this is a popular initiative, but that it doesn’t nearly cover the number of people who could benefit from it.

“The monthly bus passes are gone the first calendar day,” said White. “They do not last. I was told today that if you come in on the fourth of the month, they’re gone already. You’ve got to be there at the beginning of the month. Which means there’s an appetite for it, and there’s a need for it.”

Whether they agree or disagree with the proposed increase, White encourages Whitehorse residents to make their voices heard.

“I think this is a real opportunity for people to write mayor and council and share their thoughts on it.”

“Engage with your elected officials on the city level. If you support it, go ahead and let them know that. And if you disagree, please let them know that as well.”

The City of Whitehorse’s 2025 Operating Budget and City Council meeting recordings are available online at whitehorse.ca.

Whitehorse residents and Yukon NDP speak out against a proposed transit fare hike

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