Transit fares are going up. Why do Canadian cities struggle to keep it affordable?

Transit fares are increasing in major Canadian cities including Calgary ($4), Ottawa ($4.10), Edmonton ($3.75), Victoria ($3), and Vancouver ($3.35) due to rising operational costs and declining ridership recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts note that passenger fares cover 59% of transit costs on average, but funding models prioritize fare revenue over social benefits. Urban sprawl and low population density make Canadian systems particularly expensive to operate. While some cities like Orangeville and Canmore offer free transit, scaling this to larger cities requires dedicated funding streams. Experts suggest road tolls, developer contributions, and targeted subsidies for low-income riders as potential solutions.