• Weekend Route 9 service between Stouffville and Markham will begin June 29 as a one-year trial.
  • Saturday buses will run every 47 minutes, with the first trip from Stouffville’s Walmart at 7:07 a.m.
  • Sunday and holiday service will maintain the same frequency, with slightly later start times.
  • YRT fares will rise on July 1, with PRESTO adult fares increasing to $4.12.
  • Fare increases aim to offset rising operating costs and fund service improvements.

 

Stouffville residents will soon see expanded weekend transit options as York Region Transit (YRT) launches a one-year pilot program for Saturday, Sunday, and holiday service on Route 9. The bus service expansion, set to begin Sunday, June 29, will provide 47-minute frequency trips between Stouffville’s Walmart and the Box Grove Bypass in Markham.

On Saturdays, the first Route 9 bus departing Stouffville’s Walmart will leave at 7:07 a.m., with the final trip leaving at 9:13 p.m. Northbound trips from Markham will begin at 6:53 a.m. and run until 8:59 p.m.

On Sundays and statutory holidays, buses will start slightly later, with the first southbound departure from Walmart at 8:09 a.m. and the last bus at 7:54 p.m. Northbound service will begin at 7:55 a.m. and wrap up by 8:27 p.m.

The trial adds transit flexibility for local riders and responds to longstanding calls for more weekend service in the area. YRT will evaluate performance over the course of the year to determine whether the added service should be made permanent.

Also starting this weekend, YRT will pause all 400-series School Special bus routes for the summer, with service scheduled to resume in September as students return to class.

Transit riders should also prepare for fare increases taking effect July 1, as PRESTO fares for adults will rise by 12 cents to $4.12. Senior and child fares will increase to $2.52, and youth will see their fares climb to $3.19.

All riders paying by cash, debit, or credit will now pay $4.50, up from the previous $4.40, and more information on the fare changes is available online.

YRT attributes the fare hike to escalating operational costs driven by inflation. The increases are also part of the Region’s broader strategy to support growth and improve service reliability, and funds will help advance key initiatives including the purchase of additional electric buses and expansion of On-Request service in underserved areas.

York Regional Council approved the fare adjustments in late 2024 following YRT’s annual fare review. The review aims to strike a balance between farebox recovery and taxpayer contributions, meet fuel and insurance costs, and align pricing with other GTA transit systems.

A Route 9 service map can be found on the YRT website, and riders can utilize the Trip Planner to stay updated on schedules.