Toronto transit riders are facing fare increases, but no service cuts, as the TTC tries to do its part in the city's budget crisis.

Proposals floated earlier this summer to mothball the Sheppard subway line and cancel bus routes have been pulled off the table. The transit commission now says it will recommend to city council that it approve an across-the-board 15-cent fare increase.

The TTC has withdrawn a proposal from earlier this summer to close a subway line, but it still faces a cash crunch amid Toronto's municipal budget crisis.
(Paul Chiasson/CP Photo)

The latest proposal means there will be no service cuts, but also no service improvements.

"The message really is from the public, 'Preserve my service is my first priority.  Don't cut my service.  If you have to do anything I guess you can raise my fares if you have to, but really the first choice is raise my taxes and my fares, then cut my service,' " TTC general manager Gary Webster said.

The TTC was told it needs to cut $30 million from this year's budget and a further $100 million in 2008 as part of the city's plan to balance its books.

Even with the fare increase, the TTC would still be left with a $35-million shortfall for next year, which means the threat of service cuts may resurface in a few months, unless the city levies new taxes. That decision is still a few months away.

The decision on whether to increase fares must be voted on by city council.