Chow vows weekly cap on TTC fares after 10 rides if re-elected

TTC fare-capping, implemented in September, now restricts riders to 47 rides per month. During a press conference, incumbent mayoral candidate Olivia Chow revealed a more generous fare-capping proposal if re-elected. Should the 53 candidates for Toronto's mayorship choose Chow, she pledges to cap fares at 10 rides per week. Once a rider has paid for 10 trips within a week, all subsequent TTC trips for that week become complimentary.

This arrangement often results in free rides for the average commuter on weekends. Chow elaborated that the weekly cap enables riders to start saving sooner. For instance, if an individual works from home, falls ill, or travels temporarily, they won't forfeit the opportunity to save on fares due to missing a monthly threshold. This strategy, Chow believes, would encourage more individuals to opt for public transportation, consequently easing traffic congestion.

Chow has previously proposed capping TTC fares at 40 rides per month by 2027, a measure already incorporated into the 2027 budget, costing $12.2 million. In her campaign announcement, Chow maintained the weekly cap promise but opted to divide the cap into weekly increments instead of a monthly one. She also vowed to freeze TTC fares for the fourth consecutive year.

Chow officially launched her re-election campaign on Wednesday, joining 53 other candidates vying for the position of Toronto's mayor. Recent polls suggest Chow holds a significant lead over her main opponent, former Beaches-East York councillor Brad Bradford. Torontonians are scheduled to vote on October 26, with advanced polling open from October 6 to October 11.