Starting Monday, Feb. 26, Ontario’s One Fare Program will allow riders to transfer for free with one fare from York Region Transit (YRT) to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Transit and other participating transit systems, using PRESTO, PRESTO Mobile Wallet, credit or debit.
While transfers between most Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) transit agencies were already free, currently, customers travelling south of Steeles Avenue into Toronto must pay a separate fare to travel on TTC, according to a York Region news release.
"Fare and service integration is a shared goal for municipal transit systems and Metrolinx. Better co-ordinated fares make cross-boundary travel and transfers more attractive and affordable for riders, simplify their transit experience and help to continue to rebuild ridership," the release stated.
The One Fare Program is anticipated to provide more affordable connections, with at least 14 per cent of customers paying less for transit, and result in ridership growth of at least 25,000 new trips per day in the GTHA.
Currently, adult fare customers travelling using TTC and YRT five days a week (return trip) pay $72.30 per week. With Ontario’s One Fare Program, this customer will pay $36.15 per week, saving them $36.15 per week and up to around $1,800 per year.
This new program involves the participating transit systems listed below:
- YRT
- Brampton Transit
- Durham Region Transit
- GO Transit
- MiWay
- TTC
You must use a PRESTO card, credit, debit or PRESTO in Google Wallet to receive a free transfer. Transfers are valid for two hours if you start your trip on YRT and within three hours of the start of your GO Transit trip.
In a social-media post Monday afternoon, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin applauded the provincial government's effort on the matter.
"Great news for Barrie-Innisfil commuters," she said. "We’re making transit more simple, convenient and affordable. Starting today, you only need to pay once when transferring to and from GO Transit and other transit agencies in the (Greater Toronto Area)."
For major service alerts, news, travel tips and other relevant transit information, call 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978), visit yrt.ca or follow YRT on social media. You can also check out yrt.ca/livechat to chat live with a YRT customer service representative.
