Transit relief on the way as province slashes GO fare in Toronto

Apr 6 2018, 12:22 am

The City of Toronto may be getting some transit relief as the provincial government plans to slash the cost of GO Transit.

On Thursday, the Ontario Government announced that in early 2019, it would be reducing the cost of GO Transit trips to $3 for PRESTO users travelling under 10 km along the network.

In Toronto, this means any GO Transit and Union-Pearson Express trips will be $3. The reduced fare will apply to travel on the UP Express between Union, Bloor and Weston stations, but they also say that it will not apply to Pearson Airport trips.

According to the province, with proceeds from Ontario’s cap on pollution, it will also provide fare integration discounts of up to $1.50 per ride for anyone who travels between the York, Durham, Brampton and Mississauga transit networks and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), saving regular commuters up to $720 every year.

“Breaking down barriers and lowering fares is a great way to bring better transit to our customers immediately,” said Phil Verster, President and CEO, Metrolinx, in a statement. “We know people want to get where they’re going faster, easier, and it’s great to be able to offer a lower fare to make that happen, and also help our partners at the TTC take some strain off their major pinch points.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory said that fare integration is “so important to the success & prosperity of this city,” adding that it’s a great day for transit riders, the City of Toronto and for SmartTrack. “Transit users in the 416 will soon be able to get on Go Transit & eventually SmartTrack for the cost of a TTC fare,” he tweeted.

GO Transit train map

Currently, GO Transit fares are around $5 and above, depending on the distance. The new cost will reduce fares by about $2 per ride. The province says that adult fares for GO Transit trips between approximately 10 km and 20 km will also be reduced, and will vary between $3 to $6, depending on the specific route.

Earlier this year, Ontario cut the cost of commuting by $1.50 per trip for PRESTO users transferring between the TTC and GO Transit or the UP Express.

See also
Yasmin AboelsaudYasmin Aboelsaud

+ Transportation
+ Urbanized
ADVERTISEMENT