The Ontario government has announced plans to integrate public transportation fares for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The program, named “One Fare,” means that public transit users will only have to pay one fare, regardless of how many buses, trains, or streetcars they use, including across different cities in the region. The program is set to commence on February 26.
The initiative aims to provide more transfer options and convenience for commuters. Through Metrolinx, Ontario will reimburse local transportation agencies for the lost fare revenue. The initial phase of the program has allocated $67 million over two years, with an estimated annual cost of $117 million. The government expresses its intention to expand the One Fare program to areas beyond the GTA. The province estimates that the One Fare program will save GTA public transit users around $1,600 per year. An additional 8 million trips in the region are expected to be encouraged annually. Transportation agencies participating in the One Fare program include GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.
The One Fare program is built on previous agreements to integrate trips between local transportation services and GO Transit.
“That means somebody living in Barrie can take a Barrie Transit bus to the GO station, take the GO train down here, Downsview Park GO Station, take the subway to York University, all on one fare.”
Doug Ford
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the program as a “Godsend,” emphasizing the convenience and cost-saving potential. The Toronto Regional Board of Trade welcomed this announcement, noting that integrated fare pricing will benefit commuters by encouraging them to use more convenient and affordable transportation options.
