It's a waiting game now

Hey guys, So after getting in contact with the Mayor's office and various ward councillors, it seems all we can do is wait. YRT is planning a Fare Strategy meeting for the end of 2016 and it seems like they won't budge on the timing- really wish they did this ASAP. They will, however, be taking a look into the complaints we've been sending them in order to address fares by ability to pay versus fare discounts by age. Below you'll find their response to my email. Guess we'll have to wait and see. ______________________________________________________ "Hello Glenn, Thank you for your additional comments regarding post-secondary student fares. YRT/Viva riders take advantage of the discounts offered through monthly passes, pre-purchased booklet of tickets or the PRESTO card. The ticket price ($3.40 for adults) is deducted from the card when tapped. That is a 17 percent discount from the cash fare. In addition, the Canada Revenue Agency offers a non-refundable tax credit for monthly passes, PRESTO card users and GTA Weekly Passes, offering further savings of 15 percent on income tax returns. As stated in our August 18, 2015 email, YRT/Viva staff will be developing a Fare Strategy which will be presented to York Region Council in late 2016. The strategy will include a review of the current fare categories. Recognizing affordability is an issue affecting all ages. The strategy will explore the benefits of providing fares based on one’s ability to pay versus discounts by age group. As previously stated, your request will be considered as part of this initiative. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to notify us. Sincerely, Ashley P. | Customer Service Coordinator, York Region Transit (YRT/Viva), Transportation Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Regional Municipality of York| 50 High Tech Rd 5th Floor| Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4N7, Tel: 905-762-1282 | Toll Free: 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978) | transitinfo@york.ca | www.yrt.ca Our Values: Integrity, Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Excellence" Sorry to those graduating this year.