Dear Editor:
I take the SeaBus from North Vancouver to Vancouver and back, every work day. Taking the SeaBus is considered to be a two-zone fare. It's a 12 minute ferry ride.
In early 2010 I paid $27 for 10 tickets. In 2013 it is proposed to be $35.50. That would be an increase of more than 31 per cent in three years. At this higher price it would cost $3.55 a ticket or $7.10 a day at the FareSaver rate.
Let's compare this to Toronto and Montreal.
In Toronto it is seven tokens for $18.20 or $2.60 a token. Therefore Vancouver tickets will be 36.5 per cent more expensive than Toronto's. In Montreal it is 10 trips for $24 or $2.40 a trip. Thus Vancouver tickets will be 48 per cent more expensive than Montreal's.
This increase will reduce ridership. Hence, it will mean other transit infrastructure, like roads and especially bridges, will need to be upgraded sooner as commuters return to their vehicles, not to mention the corresponding increase in traffic and pollution.
This fare increase is definitely way out of line with other major Canadian cities.
Robert Arkiletian North Vancouver
