The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) voted yesterday to increase Toronto transit fares by $0.25 starting in the new year (2010).

A cash fare will increase from $2.75 to $3.00, a token fare (a minimum five purchased) will increase from $2.25 to $2.50, and a monthly metro pass will increase from $109 to $121.

Over the past few weeks, TTC riders have been hoarding tokens in anticipation of the looming fare hike. The TTC responded by first placing a 10 token limit purchase for customers, and more recently a 5 token limit.

Despite their efforts, TTC tokens have often sold out from fare booths across Toronto. Lineups during commuting hours are often deep, both as a result of hoarding, and as a result of the limitations imposed (5 tokens will only last a commuter 2 1/2 days).

Unlike other major metropolitan cities, Toronto does not have a automatic card system which would prevent such a scenario.