Ottawa and the Yukon government will invest nearly $ 8 million to improve Whitehorse’s public transport, but residents have to pay more for their bus tickets since July 1.
Since Tuesday, the price of the bus ticket has increased from $ 2.50 to $ 3 in Whitehorse. The monthly adult card increased by more than 20 % to $ 75.
These increases had been debated during the deposit of the city’s budget last February. The mayor, Kirk Cameron, had then recalled that the prices for public transport had remained unchanged for 17 years.
This increase surprised Paul Rousseau when he obtained his new pass for elders.
I arrive, and I am told that it’s $ 33. From $ 26 to 33, it’s a big percentage!
deplores the one who had tried to buy their July card before the price increase.
The announcement also displeases Icarus Shannon, who works in Whitehorse for the summer: I am a student and I live on the minimum wage […] I will have to adjust myself.
For its part, the city has pointed out that the operating costs of public transport have more than tripled over the past 15 years. She recalls that the increase in prices will allow her to maintain the level of services in place.
Free tickets
We can find [des billets gratuits] To the company Safe at Home and Skookum Jim … I applied for my son and me
explains Morgan Ayles, before climbing on the bus 301 at peak time on Wednesday.
Zech Smith, Morgan Ayles and his son are waiting for the bus to Whitehorse on Wednesday, after the increase in July 1 awards.
Photo: Anne Montplaisir
Many people still need bus tickets and live on their little change
he adds, his hand on his son’s shoulder.
The Yukon anti-pauvet coalition believes that this pilot project, which allows the most disadvantaged to move free of charge to Whitehorse and which will end in November 2025, must remain on foot.
Increased prices only increase the obstacles to the access of members of our community to the services and the employment they need to flourish
estimates the project coordinator at the Yukon anti-pauvet coalition, Keitha Clark.
She assures that the coalition Ask the Yukon government and the city of Whitehorse to join the free transport program and extend it so that it becomes an important element in the transport system of our community.
