Brampton Transit Cuts Staff and Raises Fares Following Drop in International Students

What this means for you: If you live in Brampton, your bus ride is getting more expensive and schedules may change. The city is facing a massive budget hole because fewer people are moving to the city, forcing them to cut costs and raise prices.

The $26 Million Problem

Brampton Transit is currently dealing with a $26 million shortfall. This is the amount of money the city expected to collect from fares but will not receive.

The city says this drop in revenue is a direct result of federal immigration changes. In 2024, the federal government capped international student permits. This led to a drop in new arrivals to Brampton. With fewer people in the city, fewer people are buying bus passes.

Because of this missing revenue, the city has already increased transit fares by 5 percent earlier this year.

Staff Cuts and Buyouts

To deal with this financial gap, Brampton Transit is reducing its workforce. The city is offering a voluntary exit package to staff members.

• The Offer: Eligible employees who choose to leave their jobs will receive a one-time payment of $25,000.
• The Goal: This program aims to reduce the number of staff on the payroll to match the lower ridership numbers without resorting to immediate layoffs.

Who is affected?

• Brampton Residents: You are likely paying higher fares than you did last year.
• Transit Riders: You may notice changes to bus schedules or reduced service frequency as the city adjusts operations.
• Transit Staff: Employees are facing a difficult choice between taking a buyout or staying on in a shrinking system.
• Taxpayers: Mayor Patrick Brown has noted that the revenue historically forecasted based on growth trends must now be covered by local taxpayers if fares do not cover the costs.

What you should do

1. Check your budget: With the 5% fare increase already in effect, calculate your new monthly transportation costs.
2. Review schedules: Keep an eye on Brampton Transit updates for potential changes to bus routes or timing, especially during off-peak hours.
3. Provide feedback: If service cuts affect your commute, contact your local city councilor to let them know how these changes impact your daily life.

Bottom Line

Brampton is feeling the effects of national immigration policy locally. A drop in international students has led to a $26 million revenue shortfall for Brampton Transit. To balance the books, the city has raised fares by 5% and is cutting staff through a $25,000 buyout program. Residents should prepare for potentially higher costs and adjusted service levels.

Source: Brampton Guardian