New One Fare Program In Ontario Beginning February 26

Last Updated On 8 February 2024, 10:17 AM EST (Toronto Time)

New One Fare Program in Ontario: The Ontario government is lowering costs for public transit customers with the launch of “One Fare,” which will save them an average of $1,600 per year.

Beginning February 26, 2024, riders will pay only once to transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit providers in the Greater Toronto Area, including GO Transit.

Customers using a PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, debit or credit card (physical or mobile wallet) will be able to transfer for free between the TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit, owing to Ontario’s new One Fare Program.

Students, seniors, and other commuters transferring between GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit will find cross-border travel to be more affordable and convenient thanks to the Ontario government’s full funding of One Fare, which will result in over eight million new rides each year.

In addition, TTC users who pay single ride prices connecting to and from GO Transit will receive a fare rebate, thus making their TTC journey free.

This program applies to TTC Fair Discount Pass consumers, including youths, adults, post-secondary students, and seniors.

How does the Ontario One Fare Program work?

Travelling from TTC to GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, or York Region Transit:

To pay your TTC fare, tap your PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, or debit or credit card on a PRESTO reader while boarding a bus, streetcar, or at a fare gate when entering a station.

Your two-hour transfer will be instantly charged to your card.

When transferring funds, use your original mode of payment on a PRESTO reader.

You will receive your free transport and will not be charged any further fee as long as you are within two hours after your first TTC tap.

Transfers to GO Transit will be paid for the TTC part of your fare as long as you arrive within two hours after your first tap.

When moving to other transit vehicles along your journey, continue to tap with your original payment method.

Your tapped PRESTO card, Google Wallet, debit, or credit card serves as evidence of payment.

Taking a TTC-operated bus into Mississauga or York Region:

To pay your TTC fare, tap your PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, or debit or credit card on a PRESTO reader while boarding a bus, streetcar, or at a fare gate when entering a station.

Your two-hour transfer will be instantly charged to your card.

When you exit a TTC-operated bus in Mississauga or York Region, you must tap your original payment method again.

You will not get charged for a MiWay or YRT fare if you are within two hours of your first TTC tap.

This is the same procedure used today when TTC buses go to Mississauga and York Region.

When changing to another MiWay or YRT bus, use your original payment method again, even if you’re still within the two-hour transfer window.

Your tapped PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, debit, or credit card serves as proof of payment.

What is the new Ontario One-Fare Program?

The Ontario Government’s One Fare Program eliminates duplicate fares for consumers who travel between the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

Customers will pay their initial fare at the transit agency they begin their journey with and will receive a free transfer between agencies as long as they are within their two-hour transfer (TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and YRT) or three-hour transfer (GO Transit) window.

Which transit agencies participate in the new Ontario One Fare Program?

The New Ontario One Fare Program provides free transfers between the TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

Who is eligible for this Ontario One Fare Program?

This program is open to adults, teenagers, post-secondary students, and seniors who pay their fare with a PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, debit or credit card while travelling between the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

Where can I get my PRESTO card?

PRESTO cards are available for $4 at TTC fare vending machines, all Shoppers Drug Mart locations, prestocard.ca, and the TTC’s Customer Service Centre located above Davisville Station.

Customers with Android devices can load a virtual PRESTO card into their Google Wallet and pay for their fare using their mobile device or Wear OS smartwatch.

Customers can also get a free PRESTO card from select Toronto Public Library branches, while supplies last.

Do I still have to tap when moving between agencies, even if the cost is free?

Yes. Each way of transferring requires you to tap your PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, debit card, or credit card.

Customers taking a TTC-operated bus into Mississauga and York Region must also tap while exiting the bus.

When you tap on the TTC, your two-hour transfer is verified, and the GO Transit discount is applied to your card.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.