Update 7:30 p.m.
Metrolinx has approved GO Transit fare increases for longer trips.
The 5 percent fare hike will take effective Feb. 1, 2016.
The changes were approved at a Metrolinx board meeting this morning.
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The cost of your commute is likely to go up about 5 per cent on most GO rides starting Feb. 1.
The Metrolinx board is expected to approve the fare increase at a meeting today.
According to a board report released this week, fares for short-distance trips would be frozen.
Riders who pay $5.30 to $5.69 a trip will benefit from the freeze.
Longer distance rides will cost between 40 and 60 cents more.
Increased discounts for use of the PRESTO fare are in the works in a bid to get people away from paper tickets.
As an example, Metrolinx says a single adult ticket from Union-Barrie currently costs $12.95 but that would go up to $13.95.
A PRESTO fare for the same trip would increase from $11.66 to $12.04.
Metrolinx says the higher fares are necessary to help pay for service improvements such as weekday, non-rush hour trips to the Kitchener line, more trains on the Lakeshore West and Milton lines and the new West Harbour Station in Hamiltom.
Presto users will see a discount with their card to 11.5 per cent from 10 per cent.
The provincial transportation agency is also making changes to the Union Pearson Express fare schedule that include free rides for children under 12 and a reduced adult return fare of $44 from $53.
