It’s possible bus fares in Halifax may go up again.
Halifax Council voted ahead a motion on February 10 to consider raising the rate after a request came from Councillor David Hendsbeee who asked for a briefing note on options.
And to take a look at comparable rates in similar jurisdictions.
It narrowly slipped by with an 8-7 vote.
Councillor Patty Cuttell said she cannot support the plan.
“Asking for a raise in the fare when buses are overloaded and not on time and not showing up, doesn’t seem like you are getting good value for money at the moment,” said Cuttell.
Bus fares currently stand at $3 for adults, after the last hike of $0.25 in September 2024.
This is just one more move by Council to try and tackle a ballooning budget and a possible 10.9 per cent hike on property taxes.
In addition to taking a look at raising fares, Council also voted ahead Councillor Kathryn Morse’s request to consider buying 10 new buses to fast-track the core services plan.
“If wanted to improve service, if we wanted to address some of our congestion issues and reliability issues that we’re seeing,” said Morse.
It would cost $15.5 million in capital spending and operating costs.
The budget committee meets again, Wednesday.
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