Ontario Cutting the Cost of Taking Transit

Starting March 14 the province of Ontario is making transit more affordable for residents.

Local transit will be free for riders connecting to and from GO Transit on municipal transit systems with GO Transit co-fare agreements.

“Affordability and cost of living concerns are very much on the minds of families throughout Ontario, and that is why our government is taking action to make riding transit cheaper,” said Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation.

This means that someone living in Milton, and using Milton Transit for the commute will save $249.60/year according to the province’s data.

PRESTO discounts for youth and post-secondary students are increasing to 40 per cent off the full adult fare starting March 14, 2022.  The discount applies to both GO Transit, and UP Express.

“With students learning in-person, our government is making transit more affordable and accessible for them,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “These fare discounts will save working families money, along with expanded access to free tutoring programs to help students get back on track.”

GO Transit is also introducing an Affordability Pilot for low-income riders, starting with residents of Peel Region who are enrolled in Peel’s Affordable Transit Program. Starting March 14, riders with an Affordable Transit Program fare type will be reimbursed for 50 per cent of the PRESTO adult fare when travelling on GO Transit using a PRESTO card. The pilot will be rolled out to other transit systems in a phased approach.