There is a recent article in the Toronto Star asking why ridership is down. I cannot comment on others, but this is why I rarely take transit now
1- I moved within 5 minutes of anything that I need. Problem solved!
2- Fares. An average third party call centre worker makes 12-14 dollars an hour. Unless you have a second job, spending $6.50 a day for a return trip or up to $150 on one metropass does not make sense. Do I spend money on food, heat, savings or taking transit... and I am speaking metaphorically.
3- Time of travel. If you say live in north east Toronto, it will take you up to 90 minutes to get downtown. If there is a subway delay, 2 hours. It only takes 45 minutes to fly from Toronto to NYC. Granted it's different travel methods and speeds, but in 2016 it should not take anyone up to 2 hours to travel within the city one way
Transit is becoming a method for middle income individuals to save money on transportation, but the reality is that someone who makes less than $18 an hour currently needs to look at other alternatives.
