Ontario eliminating double fares on GO Transit and introducing new discounts for students

Those who take transit around the GTA may be getting some good news today. The Ontario government has announced it is eliminating double fares on GO Transit, and is introducing new discounts for youth and post-secondary students.

The discounts will be applicable across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, according to the province, although not every transit agency in the region is included.

“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. “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.”

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According to the government of Ontario, starting on 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.

“This means that a Mississauga adult who commutes back and forth using MiWay and GO Transit three days a week could save $250 annually on transit expenses,” states the province in a release.

Additionally, starting March 14, PRESTO discounts for youth and post-secondary students are increasing to 40% off the full adult fare, almost double the current discounts. “This applies to GO Transit and UP Express customers who are 13 to 19-years-old or anyone enrolled in full-time post-secondary education.”

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. Also starting on March 14, riders with an Affordable Transit Program fare type will be reimbursed for 50% of the PRESTO adult fare when travelling on GO Transit using a PRESTO card.

Keep in mind, the GO Transit discounts don’t apply to ALL agencies in the province. And Toronto is not included in this program.

The GO Transit co-fare discounts only apply to the following agencies: Durham Region Transit, Milton Transit, Grand River Transit, Guelph Transit, Oakville Transit, MiWay, Brampton Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Burlington Transit, Bradford West Gwillimbury Transit, York Region Transit, and Barrie Transit.

“It’s so important that all orders of government work together to make transit more affordable for residents, and today’s announcement is a significant step forward,” said Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga.

“The co-fare agreement, in particular, will also be critical in our economic recovery, encouraging more people to seek employment in neighbouring regions through the elimination of the double fare.”