Toronto 
Ontario will introduce the “One Fare” program, designed to significantly reduce the cost of public transit for riders across the Greater Toronto Area by allowing a single payment for transfers between multiple transit agencies, including the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.
Ontario’s One Fare Program will be introduced starting February 26, 2024.
“Our government is on a mission to keep costs down for the hardworking people of Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford in a news release.
“One Fare will eliminate double fares and put $1,600 back into the pockets of transit riders. Alongside the hundreds of dollars we’re saving for drivers by cutting the gas tax, scrapping road tolls and eliminating the licence plate sticker fee, we’re providing commuters with real, tangible relief.”
The mechanics of “One Fare” involve the PRESTO system automatically applying a 100% discount to fares when riders use a PRESTO card, credit or debit card, or Google Wallet for payment. Transfers are permitted within a two-hour window for local trips and three hours for trips involving GO Transit. The program ensures that for connections between TTC and GO Transit or local transit systems, part of the journey is free, simplifying and reducing the cost of travel across different municipalities.
Metrolinx website states, “For trips connecting between TTC and GO Transit, the TTC component of the trip will become free, regardless of travel direction (cost of TTC trip is discounted from overall trip cost).
For trips connecting between TTC and local transit systems, the second portion of the trip will become free (first payment will enable a two-hour free transfer across all systems). ”
Per the news release, the program, fully funded by the Ontario government, is expected to generate over eight million additional transit rides per year, facilitating easier and more cost-effective cross-boundary travel for a wide range of commuters such as students and seniors.
Ontario says the implementation of “One Fare” is a step towards fulfilling the objectives of the 2041 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), enhancing the integration of transit services and fare systems to encourage more people to use public transit.
This initiative is part of Ontario’s ambitious $70.5 billion investment in public transit over the next decade, which includes significant subway expansions and enhancements to GO train services, aimed at improving connectivity and accessibility for millions of residents in the province.
