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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Ontario’s “One Fare” Program Saves Transit Riders $1,600

 

The Ontario government is keeping costs down for public transit riders with the launch of the “One Fare” program, which will save riders an average of $1,600 each year. Beginning February 26, 2024, riders will pay only once as they transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, including GO Transit.

The One Fare program, announced earlier this year, allows passengers to transfer between a number of different transit systems in Ontario but only pay once. Under this program, commuters can transfer between the TTC and GO Transit, as well as regional transit systems like Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

How Does It Work?

  • When transferring between the TTC and GO Transit, your TTC fare will be free.
  • When you transfer between the TTC and other local transit systems, your second fare will be free.
  • Simply tap your PRESTO card to automatically receive the discount. It’s akin to the free two-hour transfers already in effect on the TTC.
  • Your transfer remains valid for two hours if you start your trip on a local transit system or three hours for trips originating on GO Transit.

Even if you forget your PRESTO card, the One Fare program has got you covered. Passengers can still benefit when paying using credit or debit. For frequent commuters, this program could save an average of $1,600 annually—a welcome change for many Toronto residents.

The introduction of the One Fare program aligns with Metrolinx’s long-term strategy for sustainability and improved public transit service in the province. As Toronto navigates this fare revolution, commuters can breathe a sigh of relief—and perhaps even pocket some extra change for their morning coffee. 

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