Toronto

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Transportation Benefits

Discounts, passes, and accessibility programs available in Toronto's public transportation system.

Sections

1. Public Transit Passes and Fare Options

Toronto offers several fare options for regular commuters, occasional riders, and visitors. These include:

a. PRESTO Card

  • What is it? A reloadable smart card used to pay fares on the TTC, GO Transit, and other regional transit systems.
  • Benefits:
    • Lower fares compared to cash or single-use tickets.
    • Automatic two-hour transfer window (unlimited travel within two hours of the first tap).
    • Convenient for multi-modal travel across the GTA.
  • Cost:
    • $6 for the card itself (non-refundable).
    • Minimum $10 load required when purchasing.
  • Where to Buy:
    • Online at the PRESTO website.
    • At TTC subway stations, Shoppers Drug Mart locations, or GO Transit stations.

b. Monthly Pass

  • What is it? Unlimited travel on the TTC for a calendar month.
  • Cost:
    • Adults: $156.00
    • Seniors (65+), Youth (13-19), and Post-Secondary Students: $128.15
  • How to Use: Load the pass onto your PRESTO card.
  • Best For: Regular commuters who use the TTC daily.

c. Day Pass

  • What is it? Unlimited travel on the TTC for one day.
  • Cost: $13.50
  • Best For: Tourists or occasional riders planning multiple trips in a single day.

d. Family/Group Day Pass

  • What is it? Allows unlimited travel for up to six people (maximum two adults) on weekends and holidays.
  • Cost: $13.50
  • Best For: Families or groups exploring Toronto on weekends or public holidays.

2. Discounts and Subsidized Options

Toronto offers several discounts and subsidies for specific groups, including seniors, students, and low-income residents.

a. Seniors and Youth Discounts

  • Eligibility:
    • Seniors: 65 years or older.
    • Youth: 13-19 years old.
  • Discounted Fare:
    • Single Ride: $2.30 (vs. $3.35 for adults).
    • Monthly Pass: $128.15 (vs. $156.00 for adults).
  • How to Access:
    • Use a PRESTO card and set the appropriate fare type (senior or youth) at a PRESTO customer service location or online.

b. Post-Secondary Student Discount

  • Eligibility:
    • Full-time students at accredited post-secondary institutions in Toronto.
  • Discounted Monthly Pass: $128.15
  • How to Apply:
    • Obtain a TTC Post-Secondary Student ID card (available at select TTC locations for $5.25).
    • Set the post-secondary fare type on your PRESTO card.

c. Fair Pass Transit Discount Program

  • What is it? A subsidy program for low-income residents of Toronto.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a Toronto resident.
    • Must receive support from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or meet low-income criteria.
  • Discounted Fare:
    • Single Ride: $2.10
    • Monthly Pass: $123.25
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply online through the City of Torontoโ€™s Fair Pass Transit Discount Program portal.
    • Provide proof of eligibility (e.g., OW/ODSP case number or income documents).

3. Regional Transit Options

For those traveling beyond Toronto, regional transit systems offer additional benefits:

a. GO Transit

  • What is it? A commuter rail and bus service connecting Toronto to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
  • Discounts:
    • PRESTO users get discounts for trips within Toronto and between regions.
    • Children under 12 ride free.
  • Cost: Varies by distance; discounts apply for PRESTO users.

b. UP Express (Union Pearson Express)

  • What is it? A train service connecting Union Station (downtown Toronto) to Pearson International Airport.
  • Discounts:
    • Children under 12 ride free.
    • PRESTO users save on fares (e.g., $9.25 for a one-way trip vs. $12.35 without PRESTO).

4. Procedures to Apply for Benefits

Hereโ€™s how to access the various transportation benefits:

a. PRESTO Card Setup

  1. Purchase a PRESTO card online or at a retail location.
  2. Register the card online to protect your balance and access discounts.
  3. Set the appropriate fare type (e.g., senior, youth, post-secondary) at a PRESTO customer service location.

b. Fair Pass Transit Discount Program

  1. Visit the City of Torontoโ€™s website to check eligibility.
  2. Complete the online application form or apply in person at a Toronto Employment and Social Services office.
  3. Once approved, the discount is automatically applied to your PRESTO card.

c. Post-Secondary Student ID

  1. Visit a designated TTC location with proof of enrollment (e.g., student ID, enrollment letter).
  2. Pay $5.25 for the TTC Post-Secondary Student ID card.
  3. Set the post-secondary fare type on your PRESTO card.

5. Tips for Using Torontoโ€™s Transportation System

  • Plan Your Trip: Use the TTC Trip Planner or apps like Google Maps to navigate the system efficiently.
  • Avoid Rush Hours: Weekday mornings (7:30-9:30 AM) and evenings (4:30-6:30 PM) can be crowded.
  • Accessibility: All TTC subway stations and most buses are wheelchair accessible. Check the TTC website for updates on accessibility features.
  • Keep Your PRESTO Card Loaded: Avoid delays by setting up auto-reload or checking your balance regularly.
  • Transfers: With a PRESTO card, you can transfer between TTC vehicles (bus, streetcar, subway) within two hours of your first tap without paying extra.
  • Weekend and Holiday Deals: Take advantage of the Family/Group Day Pass for affordable group travel.

6. Additional Considerations

  • Children Under 12: Ride free on the TTC.
  • Bike Integration: Most TTC buses have bike racks, and bikes are allowed on subways during off-peak hours.
  • Weather Preparedness: Toronto winters can be harsh, so dress warmly and plan for potential delays during snowstorms.

By understanding these transportation benefits and options, you can navigate Torontoโ€™s transit system with ease and save money while doing so. Let me know if you need further assistance!