Calgary Transit- rate increases?

[ken0042]

Seems Calgary Transit has very quietly raised their rates in the last couple of days. So quietly that their website still shows last year's rates.
http://www.calgarytransit.com/html/fares.html

So if you take the bus- expect to pay $2.50 today instead of $2.25. Also a pack of tickets will now set you back $21. However I did use one of the tickets I bought last month without issue.

[foofighter15]

I remember when it was 1.25 like 7 years ago. this is brutal

[redforever]

I think Calgary Transit usually has a grace period that allows you to use up previous tickets you may have purchased. But don't quote me on this, a quick phone call or a visit to their website will probably explain things.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by ken0042

tickets I bought last month without issue.

My ex's brother works for the city and mentioned that it doesn't matter what the ticket price is, it's still valid. Even if it's was for a dollar or something (say you found an ancient ticket) and if the driver tells you that you have the make up the difference, record the driver's ID number and Calgary Transit will reimburse you.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Gotta pay for that West Leg somehow.

[llama64]

Originally Posted by fotze

When are they going to move to the distance travelled proportional to price system that lots of other cities have?

Never. Calgary City Hall is run but narrow minded people who can't grasp the concept of running a large city.

Not that I'm bitter.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I wonder if they'll ever move to controlled access platforms (ie turnstiles) to better capture revenue. I can't think that the honor system is really going to work as the system and city gets larger.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Actually, I heard the reason for the fare increase is because CT is going to extend the free fare zone so the homeless can have a longer warm-up ride in the winters.

[gottabekd]

Originally Posted by kermitology

My ex's brother works for the city and mentioned that it doesn't matter what the ticket price is, it's still valid. Even if it's was for a dollar or something (say you found an ancient ticket) and if the driver tells you that you have the make up the difference, record the driver's ID number and Calgary Transit will reimburse you.

I don't believe that is accurate. What you CAN do is head down to the Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre on 7th Ave, and exchange old ticket booklets for their face value towards new booklets.

Of course, they will likely give some grace period.

[albertGQ]

I just bought 2 book of tickets for $19.50 on December 30th right before the price increase. I do this all the time and have never had an issue with it. Don't see why there would be an issue this time around

[4X4]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I wonder if they'll ever move to controlled access platforms (ie turnstiles) to better capture revenue. I can't think that the honor system is really going to work as the system and city gets larger.

In Rome, the entire system is run on the honor system. Tickets are 1 euro for everyone. Pretty common to see checker guys jacking for tickets. All the busses have 3 doors and some have 4 for entry and exit. You have to have your ticket in advance. You can buy them almost any tobacco shop or coffee shop or newsstand. But, failing that, you can buy a ticket via SMS (text message). All tickets are good for 75 minutes after validation. Validation machines are everywhere.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by fotze

Anyone know the fare prices in other major cities?

It's $2.75 in Montreal, $2.50 in Edmonton and Vancouver, $2.25 in Winnipeg and oddly enough $2.25 in Lethbridge which is pretty steep because you won't be on the bus for long.

Ottawa is somewhere between $2.25 and $3. It appears they have different prices for buses and trains.

A few of them bumped their fares just yesterday like Calgary did.

[604flames]

^^ They just raised it in Vancouver yesterday, again.

EDIT: I see you wrote $2.50 which is what they raised the one-zone fare to.. The two-zone fare (North Shore to downtown, or Vancouver to Burnaby/New West/Richmond) is up to $3.75 now.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by gottabekd

I don't believe that is accurate. What you CAN do is head down to the Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre on 7th Ave, and exchange old ticket booklets for their face value towards new booklets.

Of course, they will likely give some grace period.

The tickets don't have any sort of expiry date on them, so I'd wager that they are always valid. It doesn't matter what you paid for them it's like a voucher for a transit ride.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by 604flames

^^ They just raised it in Vancouver yesterday, again.

EDIT: I see you wrote $2.50 which is what they raised the one-zone fare to.. The two-zone fare (North Shore to downtown, or Vancouver to Burnaby/New West/Richmond) is up to $3.75 now.

3 zones in Vancouver is 5 bucks is it not?

[urban1]

CT has the $0.50 premium for the express routes no?

[ken0042]

^^ Yes, they do.

I also agree with having different zones. Let the people in the Beltline pay less to get downtown that those of us in the burbs. Also encourage people to take the bus shopping or other short trips.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by kermitology

The tickets don't have any sort of expiry date on them, so I'd wager that they are always valid. It doesn't matter what you paid for them it's like a voucher for a transit ride.

Nope. If you are caught using an old ticket, the transit cop will give you heck for it. Though there usually is a grace period where all you get is a verbal "get those exchanged" comment.

Incidentally, parking at Stampede Park is now $11.00.

[McG]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Nope. If you are caught using an old ticket, the failed cop will give you heck for it.

fixed!

[Engine09]

Ottawa is somewhere between $2.25 and $3. It appears they have different prices for buses and trains.

I paid $3 to get from downtown to the Arena. But once you're out in the middle of nowhere and the game is over, they charge you $4 to get back downtown.