In a surprise move Wednesday, Winnipeg city council approved a 25 cent transit fare hike.
The motion was passed by an eight-to-six vote. Originally, council was set to vote on a five cent increase to off-set rising gas prices, but an additional 20 cents was added in at the last minute.
"To suddenly say, ‘Okay, we're going to charge people 25 cents more a ride' without any sort of real thought of other options - it is kind of a shock," said Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry).
Most of the increase will go towards covering the city's share of the second phase of the rapid transit project. The goal is to raise between $6 million and $7 million per year.
On Tuesday, Gerbasi brought forward a motion saying that the rapid transit corridor to University of Manitoba should be completed by 2016. But other councillors said the only way to do it by that date is through a rate hike, such as the one introduced Wednesday.
"You want to say you want to do something that costs $300 million within five years, you better bloody well have a way to fund it," said Coun. Justin Swandel (St. Norbert).
Mayor Sam Katz supported the transit rate hike, but admitted it was a difficult decision.
"Is it easy to make these kinds of decisions? No, but the bottom line is the decision has been made," said Katz.
Katz said he hopes the new money will get the rapid transit plan completed.
But some transit users said the fare increase is unfair to low-income riders.
Some other Winnipeggers said the rate hike is unfair because there was no consultation done with residents about the increase.
The province spoke Thursday on the issue.
NDP MLA Ron Lemieux said the city does have the authority to raise transit fares without consultation or the approval of the province. But he said it's unclear if they can dedicate, on their own, funds to rapid transit. Lemieux said he wants a working group to meet next week to discuss the issue.
If it is given final approval, a five cent increase would take effect in January and a 20 cent increase in June.
- with a report from CTV's Jeff Keele
