Grand River Transit expects fare revenue this year will be $7.6 million lower compared to 2024, mainly due to the decline in international post-secondary students.

There were nearly 2 million fewer riders using buses and light rail transit between January and May compared to 2024, according to GRT’s performance dashboard.

While the revenue loss ($3.9 million at the end of the second quarter) is expected to be partially offset by in-year service adjustments ($1.37 million), the transit provider has launched several new strategies to help diversify ridership and increase revenue, says a report to the region’s sustainability, infrastructure and development committee.

Those strategies include increasing the age limit for free riders from four to six years (with a fare-paying customer) to ma

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