Alexander's TTC plan would raise adult fares to $3.40 on PRESTO, cut student passes

Mayoral candidate Chris Alexander unveiled a five-point transit plan Friday that would raise TTC fares and crack down on fare evasion, with an estimated $43 million in new revenue.

Under the "Toronto Transit Turnaround" plan, a standard adult PRESTO fare would rise from $3.30 to $3.40, while fares paid by other methods would climb to $3.45. During peak hours—6:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—the surcharge would add 20 cents, bringing rush-hour fares to $3.50 via PRESTO or $3.55 by other payment methods.

The plan includes fare cuts for other riders: seniors would see a 15-cent reduction to $2.05 (PRESTO), youth fares would drop 15 cents to $2.20, and post-secondary student monthly passes would fall from $128.15 to $120. The Fair Pass Transit Discount would decrease from $2.10 to $2 per ride. Weekend passes would be introduced at $9 for a single day or $15 for a full weekend; a family pass for two adults and up to three youths would cost $18 daily or $30 for the weekend.

Alexander said the plan would increase ridership by 2 to 4 million riders annually. "Public transit is the backbone of Toronto," he told reporters Friday outside TTC Yonge Street headquarters. "Mayor Chow has neglected it. We will fix it."

Mayor Olivia Chow has frozen TTC fares for the past three years. The plan proposes stricter enforcement of fare payment and repair of system infrastructure.