TransLink has applied to increase its fares for the first time in a few years. Here’s the breakdown of what the transit company is proposing:

• 1-zone ticket would rise by 25 cents, from $2.50 to $2.75
• 2-zone ticket would rise by 50 cents, from $3.75 to $4.25
• 3-zone ticket would also rise by 50 cents, from $5.00 to $5.50

On the FareSaver booklet front:

• 1-zone FareSaver books would increase from $21.00 to $23.50
• 2-zone FareSaver books would increase from $31.50 to $35.50
• 3-zone FareSaver books would increase from $42.00 to $47.00

And the monthly FareCard passes:

• 1-zone FareCard passes would increase from $81 to $91
• 2-zone FareCard passes would increase from $110 to $124
• 3-zone FareCard passes would increase from $151 to $170

Because the increases exceed an average of two per cent per year (it's a 12.5 per cent fare hike after all), TransLink must receive approval of the TransLink Commission (sounds ominous) and any changes wouldn’t come into effect until 2013. If approved, the fare increase will generate $48 million per year, or approximately 2.9 per cent of its revenue. A decision is due on March 27.

While they go through the application process, TransLink is inviting comments from the public (as if people needed prompting). If you feel so inclined, you can write a colourful comment on their Facebook wall or email them at comments@translinkcommission.org.

For more on TransLink's application to increase its fares, check out their FAQ here.