You Can Now Tap Your Debit Cards on PRESTO to Travel on Most Local Transits Across GTHA

Ontario has launched a new debit payment option on PRESTO devices for most public transit services in GTHA, aiming to provide commuters with a more convenient and accessible transit experience.

PRESTO

Commuters can now tap their debit cards on a PRESTO device to pay their fare, including debit cards on a smartphone or smartwatch on GO Transit, UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, MiWay, Oakville Transit, and York Region Transit.

The new payment option also extends to paratransit services in Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton, York Region, Oakville, and Ottawa.

The debit payment option comes after the launch of credit card payment in August 2022, with PRESTO reporting a million card taps on its devices since then.

With today’s announcement, PRESTO debit and credit payment are now fully operational on GO Transit, UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, MiWay in Mississauga, Oakville Transit, York Region Transit and paratransit services in Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton, York Region, Oakville, and Ottawa.

Per the news release, the Ontario government aims to provide transit riders with a convenient payment option that is accessible and easy to use.

The government is also working with the Toronto Transit Commission to introduce both credit and debit payment options for Toronto transit riders later this summer.

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, stated that the Ontario government is committed to increasing transit payment options, making public transportation more accessible and convenient for Ontarians.

“With millions of active users across the GTHA, the launch of debit payment on PRESTO devices is another way our government is making transit more convenient and accessible for Ontarians,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation in a news release. “By increasing transit payment options, we are giving more people more options to access public transit in ways that work for them.”