- Metrolinx, in partnership with the Province and local transit agencies, is implementing fare integration across many of Ontario’s transit networks.
- Starting Monday, February 26, the One Fare Program will allow transit riders to pay a single fare when transferring between GO, York Region Transit (YRT), Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Durham Region Transit, Brampton Transit, and MiWay.
- To take advantage of the program, transit users must use a PRESTO card, credit, debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet to pay their fares.
- For passengers transferring to or from GO services, a 100% refund of the connected local transit service fare will be issued.
- For trips between local transit services like YRT and TTC, the second fare will be refunded.
- Transfers remain valid for two hours from the start of a YRT trip and three hours from the start of a GO Transit journey.
“Fare and service integration is a shared goal for municipal transit systems and Metrolinx,” stated a press release from York Region. “Better coordinated fares make cross-boundary travel and transfers more attractive and affordable for riders, simplifying their transit experience and helping to continue to rebuild ridership.”
At least 14% of customers are expected to benefit from reduced transit costs, according to the Region, with the program anticipated to generate ridership increases of at least 25,000 new trips per day across the GTHA.
“Currently, adult fare customers travelling round trip using TTC and YRT five days a week pay $72.30 per week,” the release elaborated. “With Ontario’s One Fare Program, those customers will pay $36.15 per week—saving them $36.15 per week and up to around $1,800 per year.”
More information regarding the program is available here.
