Heather Wright/The Independent

The Huron Shores Area Transit system is boosting its rates. But it’s also introducing a Smart Card for people eligible for discounted fares.

Susan Mills, the transit coordinator, says right now a monthly pass is $120.  The average per trip cost was about 50 cents less than the regular $5 local fare. 

But the transit system is working under a new funding arrangement and needed to make the system sustainable in the long term. Mills says fares will go up Aug. 15 with a local fare increasing to $6, long distance fares to $12 and regional fares to $20 per ride.

Mills says they want to make sure the transit system remains affordable for those with a lower income so it is introducing a Smart Card. It will allow kids 12 and under to ride for free. Support workers for those with a disability will ride free with the card. There will also be free travel for those who are legally blind and seniors and veterans will be able to purchase the Smart Cards for 20 per cent less than the $140 fee. Low income users will still get “deeply discounted” fares.

Rates will increase again in January.

The changes are expected to bring in close to $15,000 in new revenue to support the system, says Mills.