Toronto mayoral candidates outline TTC fare plans
Toronto TTC fares are a top election issue as candidates push different plans See how Chow, Bradford and Alexander would cut costs and tackle shortfalls
Toronto’s leading mayoral candidates are offering different approaches to making TTC transit more affordable as the city election nears.
Mayor Olivia Chow says she would freeze TTC fares again in 2027 and lower the current fare cap, while Brad Bradford is calling for an independent audit of city and TTC spending and a 15minute service refund guarantee. Chris Alexander, meanwhile, is proposing higher adult PRESTO fares and a rushhour surcharge to help close the TTC’s projected operating shortfall, while also offering lower costs for seniors, students and lowincome riders.
Transit advocates and an academic interviewed by CBC said deeper affordability measures could help riders, but warned that fare increases alone are unlikely to solve the system’s budget problems. The article notes that Chow, Bradford and Alexander are the only major contenders with detailed public TTC fare plans.