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Free parking for Metropass holders will be no more, Toronto Transit Commissioners decided Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Commissioners voted to end the passholders' perks to free up about $3 million a year of the $6.2 million the TTC spends annually to maintain its 16 commuter parking lots.

Staff recommended ending the practice in February, and the commission voted to look at putting the money that's saved into extended bus service in the suburban communities where the commuter lots are generally located.

For commuters who are able to make use of the parking facilities, the increase will mean a significant jump in the cost of their monthly Metropass. Currently, the $110 pass gives users free access to parking if it's available. Under the new system, they'll be charged between $2 and $6 a day, meaning a commuter using the lots five days a week could be paying as much as $120 more per month.

Some commissioners worry the move will drive away riders and more importantly, disadvantage lower-income commuters from places like north Etobicoke.

"We don't have subways in north Etobicoke," said Commissioner and Ward 1 (Etobicoke North) Councillor Suzanne Hall. "People in the outlying areas do drive, even if they are poor. They may not buy $60,000 SUVs, but they drive. And now we're telling them, 'We're going to soak you $6 a day to use our lot after we've been giving it for free, and for good reason, for many years."

Hall tried to convince the commission to postpone the plan until light rail was available along Finch Avenue West.

But other commissioners, such as Ward 38 (Scarborough Centre) Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, pointed out that as matters stand, Metropass users who don't use cars are effectively subsidizing those who do.

"I leave my car at home and I'm not rewarded," De Baeremaeker said. "I and my colleagues on the bus are doing the right thing, and we're paying for someone else to drive a car six blocks."