Why are Halifax Transit fares increasing?
A fare increase was proposed as part of the 2024/25 Municipal Budget and business planning process. The increased fares are one element of the ongoing funding required to support the provision of transit service. Regional Council approved the motion to increase fares on April 23, 2024. Fare by-law amendments were approved by Regional Council on August 6, 2024.
This fare increase will come into effect September 1, 2024.
How much will fares cost after the increase?
Starting September 1, 2024, the cash fare for adult single ride trips on bus, ferry, and Access-A-Bus will increase to $3 from $2.75. Senior and youth fares will increase to $2.25 from $2.
Regional Council has approved the following fares at the second reading of By-law U-118, an Amendment to By-law U-100, Respecting User Charges – Halifax Transit Fare Update 2024:
| Type of pass | Cash fare | Available on HFXGO | Available at Retailers & Customer Service Centres | Adult (18-64) | Senior* (65+) | Youth (13-17) | Child (0-12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of pass | Cash fare | Available on HFXGO | Available at Retailers & Customer Service Centres | Adult (18-64) | Senior* (65+) | Youth (13-17) | Child (0-12) |
| 1 Ride | X | X | $3.00 | $2.25 | $2.25 | Free | |
| 10 Tickets - 10 Rides | X | X | $27.00 | $20.25 | $20.25 | Free | |
| 20 Rides | X | $48.00 | $36.00 | $36.00 | Free | ||
| 1 Day Pass | X | $7.50 | $5.50 | $5.50 | Free | ||
| 2 Day Pass | X | $13.50 | $10.00 | $10.00 | Free | ||
| 7 Day Pass | X | $25.50 | $19.00 | $19.00 | Free | ||
| Monthly Pass | X | X | $90.00 | $66.00 | $66.00 | Free |
| Type of pass | Cash fare | Available on HFXGO | Available at Retailers & Customer Service Centres | Adult (18-64) | Senior* (65+) | Youth (13-17) | Child (0-12) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of pass | Cash fare | Available on HFXGO | Available at Retailers & Customer Service Centres | Adult (18-64) | Senior* (65+) | Youth (13-17) | Child (0-12) |
| 1 Ticket/Ride | X | X | $4.75 | $3.25 | $3.25 | Free | |
|
Top up with: · 1 (Conventional) Ride · Transfer · Monthly Pass |
X | X | $1.50 | $1.00 | $1.00 | Free | |
| 10 Tickets/Rides | X | $42.70 | $29.00 | $29.00 | Free | ||
| 20 Rides | X | $76.00 | $52.00 | $52.00 | Free | ||
| 1 Day Pass | X | $11.75 | $8.00 | $8.00 | Free | ||
| 2 Day Pass | X | $21.35 | $14.60 | $14.60 | Free | ||
| 7 Day Pass | X | $40.00 | $27.50 | $27.50 | Free | ||
| Monthly Pass | X | X | $139.00 | $99.00 | $99.00 | Free |
What other changes are taking place?
New electronic Regional Express 10 Ride, 20 Ride, 1 Day, 2 Day and 7 Day passes will be introduced, available exclusively on HFXGO. Monthly Regional Express passes will continue to be available on HFXGO and at transit retailers. In addition, UPass and Student Transit Pass holders will no longer be required to pay an additional top-up fee to ride Regional Express service.
When will the rate increase take place?
This increase will come into effect September 1, 2024.
Will my paper tickets and HFXGO tickets purchased prior to September 1 be honoured after the fare increase takes effect?
Yes. Any tickets that have been purchased at retailers or on HFXGO will be honoured. Paper tickets do not expire.
Tickets purchased on HFXGO expire one year after purchase; however, customers with expired HFXGO tickets can contact 311 after tickets expire to obtain replacement tickets.
What if I can’t afford to pay the new fare?
Halifax Transit has two programs to assist in ensuring transit is affordable for those in need assist those in need– the Affordable Access Transit Program, which provides a 50 per cent discount on the cost of an Adult Monthly Pass and the Department of Community Services Transit Pass, which provides free annual transit passes for Employment Support & Income Assistance clients and their families, through a partnership with the Department of Community Services. Residents can visit the Halifax Transit website or call 311 to learn more about these programs.
When was the last fare increase?
The last fare increase came into effect on September 30, 2019.