An Owen Sound Transit bus. (photo supplied by City of Owen Sound)
Public transit fares are rising slightly in Owen Sound next year, and several new types of bus passes are coming.
The city’s operations committee endorsed recommendations from staff at a recent meeting to increase fares by 25 cents effective Jan. 1, 2025, and to create a few new pass options for riders.
It would be the first increase to transit fares in Owen Sound since 2015.
The new fare for adults and seniors would be $3.25, and $2.75 for students. The cost of a monthly bus pass will increase by $2.50.
City council still needs to formally approve the changes.
A few new pass options for riders will also be rolled out. A day pass, which would allow unlimited trips on Owen Sound buses in one day, will cost $9. The city will also create a 10-ride pass, which offers some savings over a daily fare. And a semester pass for students will be made available.
Owen Sound’s affordability pass, a reduced rate monthly transit option for financially vulnerable riders, will also continue in 2025. A staff report says 70 per cent of adult bus passes purchased this year have been the affordability rate.
City staff also plan to explore options to offer transit pass sales at more locations throughout Owen Sound. Currently, they can be purchased at the transit terminal, library and city hall.