Toronto Is Getting A New 'One Fare' Transit Program & Here's How It Will Work

A new "One Fare" transit program is launching soon in Toronto and the GTA.

It's expected to save you money on public transportation and make transferring between the TTC and transit agencies in surrounding cities more convenient.

Here's what has just been revealed about One Fare, including when you'll be able to start saving money on transit and how the program works.

Why you should care: One Fare is expected to save transit riders an average of $1,600 each year.

You'll only pay once and transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area.

One Fare, which is fully funded by the Ontario government, is meant to make travel in the GTA more affordable and convenient for people transferring between the TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, MiWay, Durham Region Transit and York Region Transit.

What they're saying: "Our government is on a mission to keep costs down for the hardworking people of Ontario," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. "One Fare will eliminate double fares."

"Public transit should be a convenient and affordable option for getting to work, school or running errands," said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

Toronto's mayor also noted that this "will make it easier and cheaper to transfer between the TTC, GO Transit and other transit agencies."

What comes next: One Fare comes into effect on Monday, February 26, 2024.

As of that date, riders will only pay once and transfer for free between the TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Mississauga's MiWay, Durham Region Transit and York Region Transit.

Metrolinx, which operates GO Transit, shared that the 100% discount is automatically applied to your PRESTO card, credit or debit card, or PRESTO in Google Wallet.

Transfers are valid for two hours on trips that are started on local transit and within three hours on trips started on GO Transit.

For connections between the TTC and GO Transit, the TTC fare will be free with One Fare regardless of which transit system you're travelling with first.

That means the cost of the TTC trip will be discounted from the overall trip cost and you'll pay the GO Transit fare.

For connections between TTC and local transit systems, the second part of the trip will be free with One Fare, Metrolinx revealed.

The first payment will enable a two-hour free transfer across all transit systems that are part of this new program.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.