Metrolinx lowering fares on short GO Transit trips this April

While the TTC is increasing its transit costs this month, Metrolinx announced it is lowering some of its fares… while also increasing others.

According to its website, Metrolinx is reducing PRESTO fares on short-distance GO Transit trips in the Greater Golden Horseshoe by more than $1 starting April 20.

The fare for GO trips that are about 10 kilometres or less is being reduced to $3.70 — a 21 per cent reduction from the lowest PRESTO fares of $4.71, states Metrolinx. This new fare will apply to any trip made between any GO stations or bus stops across the region that are within roughly 10 kilometres of each other.

Metrolinx says that those who pay with single-fare paper tickets will also benefit from reduced fares for these trips, going from the lowest fare of $5.30 to $4.40.

See also

• All the changes to TTC fares as hike kicks in today
• GO Transit to expand service and increase train sizes in April
• City of Toronto to consider bringing heated shelters to some TTC routes
• Here's a wild look at the evolution of the GO train over the years

“These significant reductions in short-distance fares, by at least 21% and by as much as 40% for some journeys, is a huge step towards making public transit even more affordable and more attractive for the people in our communities,” said Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster.

GO fares are being reduced for short-distance trips by more than $1 when using PRESTO. We are also introducing a modest fare increase for longer-distance trips. https://t.co/GCPLztGitd pic.twitter.com/p7PbFuOaIm

— Metrolinx (@Metrolinx) April 1, 2019

Verster said they are currently running over 350 more train trips per week than 18 months ago.

But while the short distance fare will be decreasing, Metrolinx is increasing its longer-distance GO trips.

Also in effect on April 20, PRESTO fares for trips greater than approximately 10 kilometres will increase by up to 4%. The price of a single-fare paper ticket, used for eight per cent of GO trips, will be increased by up to 10% for trips greater than 10 kilometres.

“With these fare changes, the discount for using PRESTO instead of single-fare paper tickets will increase from 11% to 16%,” states Metrolinx.

The Metrolinx Board of Directors will vote on the proposed fare changes on April 10.