A new integrated public transit fare system is scheduled to be launched today, Monday, for passengers transferring between GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit in the Greater Toronto Area.

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, said at a recent press conference that the new "One Fare" initiative, a long-overdue promise from the Ontario Premier, aims to provide people "with more transit options and more convenience."

It also aims to address double fare charges on TTC, which were excluded when the province eliminated double fares on most transit systems in Ontario in March 2022, confirming that the One Fare program is expected to save public transit riders an average of $1,600 annually.

How does it work?

Passengers making a trip on any of these systems (GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, York Region Transit) must pay the highest single fare associated with their trip, but a discounted fare will be charged when they transfer to another system within a specified time frame of two to three hours.

The Premier said during a press conference on February 5, "This means that someone living in Barrie, taking a Barrie Transit bus to the GO station, riding the GO train here, Downsview Park station, and then taking the subway to the campus (Toronto Metropolitan University), all with a single ticket."

What should TTC riders expect?

When passengers use TTC as part of their trip, they will not be charged any additional fees. TTC will automatically calculate a 100 percent discount and apply it to their PRESTO card or credit/debit card.

It is worth noting that customers who pay their TTC fare with a monthly ticket will not receive any additional discounts when transferring to GO Transit.

Riders needing to transfer to or from the TTC system must tap using their original payment method on a PRESTO reader. Customers will receive a free transfer and will not be charged another fare as long as they are within two hours of their first tap on TTC.

This program applies to youth, adults, post-secondary students, seniors, and TTC Fair Pass cardholders. Children aged 12 and under always travel free on the TTC.

What does this program mean for GO TRANSIT users?

Those riding GO Transit will be reimbursed for the TTC portion of their fare as long as they are within two hours of the first tap. Passengers must tap upon arrival at their destination unless they have a virtual trip group.

Just like TTC, GO Transit passengers must use their original payments when transferring to other transit vehicles during their trip. GO Transit offers a three-hour transfer period.

A PRESTO card that has been tapped, PRESTO in Google Wallet, a debit card, or credit card serves as proof of payment.

Information for non-TTC monthly ticket holders

Customers with a monthly ticket for Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, or York Region Transit will receive free transfers when connecting to TTC.

On return trips starting in Toronto, the passenger will pay a single TTC fare and receive a free transfer when connecting to the agency where they hold a monthly ticket.

One Fare exceptions

Currently, UP Express is not included in this program.

The TransHelp program in the Peel region has also been excluded from this offer because it does not accept PRESTO.

Ontario contributed $67 million USD to "kickstart" the One Fare program, which supports the 2041 regional transportation plan and is part of more than 100 specific actions in the Golden Horseshoe transit master plan.

However, it is unclear at this stage where long-term funding for One Fare will come from, as the province has not specified the number of years it will fund.