TORONTO – Big news is coming for all public transport users who travel between Toronto and the GTA: the Ontario government has launched “One Fare”, an initiative that will save passengers, according to calculations by Province, an average of $1,600 each year. Starting from February 26, 2024, in fact, passengers will pay only once when they transfer from one TTC vehicle to another transport company in the Toronto metropolitan area (Brampton, Durham, York and Mississauga). Including GO Transit.
Passengers will have just to use the same Presto Card which will automatically calculate a 100% discount (and therefore the transfer from one vehicle to another will be free): transfers will be valid for two hours for journeys started with local transit and for three hours starting at the beginning of a trip on GO Transit.
“Our government is on a mission to keep costs down for the hardworking people of Ontario” said Premier Doug Ford today during a press conference attended – among others – by Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, and the leaders of the GTA transportation companies.
“The ‘One Fare’ initiative – said Ford – will eliminate double fares and put $1,600 back into the pockets of transit riders. Alongside the hundreds of dollars we’re saving for drivers by cutting the gas tax, scrapping road tolls and eliminating the licence plate sticker fee, we’re providing commuters with real, tangible relief”.
Entirely funded by the Ontario government, the ‘One Fare’ project will lead to more than eight million new rides every year and will make travel “across the border” more convenient for students, seniors and other commuters who “hop” every day to the other of TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, York Region Transit and MiWay.
“Public transit should be a convenient option for getting to work, school or running errands” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “Ontario’s ‘One Fare’ will make it easier and cheaper to transfer between the TTC, GO Transit and other transit agencies. When governments continue to work together, we can make life more affordable and invest in services families rely on, like high quality public transit that costs you less”.
Over the next decade, Ontario will also invest $70.5 billion to transform public transportation in the province, including the largest subway expansion in Canadian history with the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
By 2031, the province will introduce two-way, all-day, every 15-minute GO rail service in key corridors of the Greater Golden Horseshoe to connect more people to public transportation, jobs and housing for generations to come.
Provincial Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said: “Ontario’s ‘One Fare’ program is another example of how we’re saving commuters time and money. Whether it’s to work, school or social events, our government’s historic investments in Ontario’s public transportation system is making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to get where they need to go”.
Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chariman and CEO, highlighted that “transportation remains a top priority for York Regional Council, our more than 1.2 million residents and 66,500 businesses. Simplifying fare payments with the new ‘One Fare’ program puts travellers’ experience first and makes our collective transit systems even more convenient, reliable and affordable. ‘One Fare’ removes boundaries and barriers to travelling across different municipalities, allows for more convenient access and supports our growing communities”.
In the pic above, the presentation of “One Fare” with the premier Doug Ford (foto da Twitter X – @fordnation)
