Ontario reduces GO Transit fares and introduces new discounts for students

The Ontario government says it is eliminating the fare for most local transit when using GO Transit service and increasing PRESTO discounts for youth and post-secondary students.

“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 in a statement. “As we cut costs for drivers, including by eliminating licence sticker renewal fees and removing tolls on Highways 412 and 418, we’re also slashing fares to keep more money in the pockets of families and young people when they need it most and making it easier to get from point A to B.”

Beginning March 14, local transit will be free for riders connecting to and from GO Transit on municipal transit systems with GO Transit co-fare agreements.

The province says, for example, this means a Mississauga adult who commutes back and forth using MiWay and GO Transit three days a week could save $250 annually on transit expenses.

It also says starting March 14, PRESTO discounts for youth and post-secondary students are increasing to 40 per cent off the full adult fare, which is almost double the current discounts.

This applied to GO Transit and UP Express customers who are 13 to 19-years-old or anyone enrolled in full-time post-secondary education. Kids under 12 will continue to ride free on GO Transit.

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

The province says 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.

It says 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 province says the pilot will be rolled out to other transit systems in a phased approach.