Cobourg Transit fees will rise in 2022
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg reminds residents of the increase to transit fares that will begin in 2022, with the price of a single cash fare increasing by 25 cents to $2.25 and adjustments to 30-Day Passes.
The increase will offset operating expenses associated with the transit system, following 15 years without a fee increase. Meanwhile, Director of Public Works Laurie Wills said in the announcement, the town has been working towards improving the system in as economical a way as possible.
“We appreciate Cobourg residents understanding the need for these fare increases in order to continue providing the best possible public-transit services to our community,” Wills said.
A 2014 transit study recommended increasing the single cash fare to $2.50 over three years. The study also considered the 50% senior discount high and recommended the student monthly-pass discounts should be closer to senior fares.
This ultimate fare increase to $2.50 is comparable to fares in similar municipalities, the announcement said.
Increases will be made incrementally over the next three years, with the single cash fare, as noted, going from $2 to $2.25 in 2022, then to $2.50 in 2024.
Adults' 30-day passes will go from $60 to $62.50 in 2022, then to $65 in 2024.
Seniors' 30-day passes will go from $30 to $36.25 in 2022, rising to $42.50 in 2023 and up to $48.75 in 2024.
Students' 30-day passes will actually go down in price. From $50, the price goes to $48.75 in 2022 and stays at that level.
The announcement noted that the town has worked toward a higher level of transit service for several years. These improvement initiatives include the Where's My Bus app in 2016 that provides real-time updates. Ten new bus shelters were installed in 2017, and new low-floor Wheels transit buses were purchased in 2017 and 2021. The new On-Demand Transit Service and new reloadable Smart Cards were introduced in 2021.
For more information on Cobourg Transit, visit the Public Transit - Town of Cobourg site or call the Public Works Division at 905-372-4555.
