Ontario Extending One Fare to Keep Transit Costs Down for Riders

TORONTO — Building on the success of One Fare, which is saving transit users in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) up to $1,600 per year, the Ontario government is extending the program for an additional two years to continue keeping transit costs down for riders. Since launching in 2024, One Fare has saved Ontarians nearly $200 million and enabled nearly 62 million free transfers across participating transit agencies.

"We are reducing costs for transit riders and putting more money back into your pockets," said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan. "One Fare is about reducing duplicative costs and meaningfully incentivizing residents to use transit more seamlessly and efficiently. That is why our government is taking a step further to extend the program, to keep costs down and drive transit use up as we enhance and renovate the King City GO station."

The One Fare program lets transit riders pay only once when transferring between the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, Peel TransHelp and York Region Transit. Since inception, the program has made travel across the GTHA more affordable and convenient, protecting Ontarians’ pocketbooks and helping build a more integrated transit network.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on our promise to protect the hardworking people of Ontario in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “We’re extending the elimination of double fares through One Fare to make transit more affordable and convenient, saving commuters up to $1,600 each year.”

The Ontario government is investing $70 billion in the largest transit expansion in North America, including the largest subway expansion in Canadian history. Through the GO Expansion program, the province is also delivering two-way, all-day service on GO Transit’s busiest rail routes. Building a more integrated and regional transit system is a key action in the province’s Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Quick Facts

• Transit riders can use a physical or digital PRESTO card, debit card or credit card to access One Fare by tapping on and off with the same card for the full trip.

• Transfers are valid for two hours when a trip starts on local transit and for three hours when a trip starts on GO Transit.

• Ontario is expanding transit access across the GTHA by building the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Finch West LRT, the Yonge North Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, the Hazel McCallion Line and the Hamilton LRT.

Quotes

"I applaud the Ontario government for its commitment to supporting residents and making public transit more accessible. With our decision at the City of Toronto not to raise TTC fares for three years running, and the extension of the One Fare program allowing commuters to pay once when transferring from GO Transit to the TTC, we are delivering a more affordable city for Torontonians."

- Olivia Chow

Mayor of Toronto

"The Regional Municipality of York is proud to be part of the One Fare Program, the result of years of advocacy and collaboration with the Province, Metrolinx and partner transit agencies. By simplifying cross-boundary travel and making it more affordable, the program has supported over 7.6 million trips and helped grow regional connectivity. We thank the Government of Ontario for extending the program so York Region residents can continue to enjoy the convenience, savings and seamless travel One Fare provides."

- Eric Jolliffe

Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York

"I am pleased to be able to welcome this extension of One Fare. It is a direct help to hundreds of thousands of daily Mississauga transit users who rely on our MiWay service and its essential link with the Toronto Transit Commission. This extended partnership — facilitated by the province — will allow financially strained families to travel to where they need to go, connecting them to their jobs, and to essential services in a way that is affordable."

- Carolyn Parrish

Mayor of Mississauga

"This program extension is great news for Durham Region residents. It makes traveling across different transit systems—whether commuting to work, heading to school, or visiting friends and family—more seamless and affordable. One Fare connects communities, reduces barriers and makes everyday travel easier. This program reflects the Ontario government’s commitment to improving transit options for residents in Durham Region and beyond."

- John Henry

Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham

"Transit is part of everyday life for so many in our communities. It’s how people get to work, school, appointments, and opportunities. With One Fare, we’ve made that journey simpler and more affordable, and 37 per cent of riders say they’re using transit more since its launch. We’re proud to partner with the province and municipalities to keep improving how people move across our region."

- Michael Lindsay

President and CEO of Metrolinx

"CUTA welcomes the two-year extension of Ontario’s One Fare program. We thank the Government of Ontario for continuing this initiative, which makes transit more affordable and helps riders in the GTHA reach education, jobs, and other key opportunities. Premier Ford and Minister Sarkaria continue to demonstrate strong support for public transit investment in Canada."

- Marco D’Angelo

CEO and President, Canadian Urban Transit Association

Additional Resources

• Ontario Launching “One Fare" to Save Transit Riders $1,600

• One Fare Program

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org