Ontario Making it Easier and More Convenient to Take Transit

News.ontario.ca
Sept. 23, 2022

The Ontario government is making it easier and more convenient to take transit across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) by giving riders more ways to pay. Since August, customers have tapped on more than 100,000 times using credit cards on GO, MiWay, Brampton and Oakville Transit.

“Improving the PRESTO fare payment system by allowing riders to simply tap on with their credit cards is yet another example of how our government is bettering the transit experience, respecting taxpayers’ money and helping people get to where they need to go,” said Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation. “Our government is making transit an appealing, convenient and simpler option for people across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”

Ontario began increasing payment options beyond the PRESTO card in 2021 when it launched payment by credit and debit card as a pilot on UP Express. In August 2022, the province extended the option to pay by credit card, including those cards on a smartphone or smartwatch, to the entire GO Transit network, as well as the Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville transit systems. In 2023, the province will further expand new payment options to more transit agencies across the GTHA, including payment by debit.

“Reaching this milestone so quickly after launch demonstrates the high demand for more contactless payment options across the GO network and local transit systems,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “As a next step, our government will work towards expanding the tap-on credit card payment option across the 905, making it easier and more convenient for commuters in the GTHA to get to work, school, and more.”

The Ontario government is aligning the PRESTO system with best-in-class transit practices from jurisdictions across the world -- delivering convenience to riders so that people can get from point A to point B more easily.

Quick Facts

• Metrolinx through PRESTO is providing new payment methods on GO Transit and select municipal transit systems by offering contactless payment -- tapping on with a credit card, including those cards on a smartphone or smartwatch.
• Beginning March 14, 2022, the Ontario government made local transit free for riders connecting to and from GO Transit on municipal transit systems with GO Transit and increased PRESTO discounts for youth and post-secondary students to 40 per cent off the full adult fare.
• The PRESTO contactless payment pilot launched officially on UP Express in 2021, offering the option to pay with credit cards for UP customers, which was later expanded to include debit cards.