Local transit will now be free for riders connecting to and from GO Transit onto local systems with co-fare, according to Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier, also chair of Durham Transit.
“I’m pleased transit is becoming more affordable for those who make local transit a part of their larger commute,” he said.
The Ontario government yesterday announced that beginning March 14, local transit will be free for riders connecting to and from GO Transit on municipal transit systems with GO Transit co-fare agreements. it is also increasing Presto discounts for youth and post-secondary students.
Durham welcomed the announcement.
“Access to reliable transit will be important as municipalities move into the recovery phase from the Covid-19 pandemic,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for the Regional Municipality of Durham.
“This morning, the province announced its co-fare discount agreement; allowing local transit users to access free trips when connecting to, or from, GO Transit onto municipal transit systems. This agreement will help ensure residents have access to an affordable, accessible transit option and will support Durham’s recovery from the pandemic. We look forward to welcoming new and returning riders on our buses,” he added.
This election year, Ontario has already announced elimination of licence sticker renewal fees and removing tolls on Highways 412 and 418.
In addition, starting March 14, Presto discounts for youth and post-secondary students are increasing to 40 per cent off the full adult fare, almost double the current discounts. This applies to GO Transit and UP Express customers who are 13 to 19-years-old or anyone enrolled in full-time post-secondary education. Kids under 12 will continue to ride free on GO Transit.
GO Transit is also introducing an Affordability Pilot for low-income riders, starting with residents of Peel Region who are enrolled in Peel’s Affordable Transit Program. Starting March 14, riders with an Affordable Transit Program fare type will be reimbursed for 50 per cent of the Presto adult fare when travelling on GO Transit using a Presto card. The pilot will be rolled out to other transit systems in a phased approach.
Quick Facts
- The GO Transit co-fare discounts apply to the following agencies: Durham Region Transit, Milton Transit, Grand River Transit, Guelph Transit, Oakville Transit, MiWay, Brampton Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Burlington Transit, Bradford West Gwillimbury Transit, York Region Transit, and Barrie Transit.
- As part of the up to $2.15 billion provided by the provincial and federal governments to help municipal transit systems address the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities were asked to work with the province on ways to ensure transit is safe, sustainable and affordable.
- Transit riders can use the Triplinx app or website to make it easier to plan travel using multiple transit providers.