VITRAN Announces Changes to Senior Citizen Free Ride Policy and Fare Increases

The Department of Public Works, alongside VITRAN, has announced upcoming changes to its transportation policies, affecting both the fare structure and the Senior Citizen Free Ride Policy, starting March 18, 2024.

The revision to the Senior Citizen Free Ride Policy will restrict free rides to the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will exclude peak morning and evening commute times. This adjustment aims to alleviate overcrowding during the busiest hours when transportation is crucial for reaching employment and other vital locations.

Further changes will come into effect on April 15, 2024, with a planned fare increase for fixed-route bus services and paratransit services. These services have maintained the same price since VITRAN's inception in 1994. However, due to escalating fuel and maintenance costs, the Department of Public Works has found it necessary to revise its pricing to continue providing service. The upcoming fare changes are as follows:

Fixed Route Bus: Currently $1.00, proposed to increase to $2.50.

Paratransit Van: Currently $2.00, proposed to increase to $5.00.