Halifax council considers raising transit fares, fast-tracking new buses

Halifax councillors are considering raising transit fees and fast-tracking new buses this year to improve the system.

On Thursday, the city’s budget committee approved Halifax Transit’s $66.5 million operating budget, and agreed to continue exploring some cuts and new investments.

The committee passed Coun. David Hendsbee’s request for a briefing note on options for transit fare increases, and charges in other Canadian cities.

Hendsbee said it makes sense to consider the impact of rounding up fares to the nearest $1 or $0.50 mark.

“We do need some revenue generation, and I think fares are one thing. If we're looking at increasing our parking fees, we might as well look at our fares as well,” Hendsbee told reporters after the meeting.

Halifax is facing a possible 10.9 per cent increase on the average urban residential tax bill for 2026-27, and councillors have been looking for ways to either cut spending or raise city funds.

Hendsbee said a $0.25 cent increase on fares usually adds up to about $900,000, so depending on the fare structures, the new revenue “could be up to $1 million, easily.”

There was some debate about affordability, and whether it made sense to make one service more expensive in the name of lowering property tax bills.

The last fare increase was in September 2024, when the adult single ticket went up $0.25 cents. A similar adjustment was made to other fares.

Hendsbee said Halifax provides discounted rates for tickets bought in bulk, as well as more affordable fares for seniors and people with lower incomes.

The committee also passed Coun. Kathryn Morse’s request to consider buying 10 new buses in this budget to accelerate the new service plan. It would mean an extra $13 million in capital spending and $1.5 million in operating costs.

The plan for this year originally did not suggest new buses, but rather some route adjustments and improving Sunday service on one route with the existing fleet. It suggested 20 new buses next year, and 10 in three years.

But following questions from Morse, transit staff said it's possible to buy and deliver 10 buses by this fall.

Staff said the new buses could improve service on multiple busy routes that experience regular overloads and unreliability, like the 28 and 9A/B. Overloaded buses are those which can’t pick up more people.