Toronto

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Transportation Benefits

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!