The Ontario government announced at a press conference on Feb. 5, in front of the Downsview Park Go station, that they have finalized the One Fare program. This new program will allow riders to transfer for free within a two-hour window, between the TTC; Brampton Transit; Durham Region Transit; York Region Transit; and MiWay, the Mississauga Transit. In addition, TTC riders transferring to and from Go Transit will only have to pay one fare.
The launch of the program, set to begin Feb. 26, is a relief for riders across the GTA, but students are feeling especially happy.
Carlos Rodrigues, a resident of Flemingdon Park and a student at the University of Toronto is feeling a sense of ease. “It’s fantastic,” said Rodrigues. “I think for students in particular it’s just one less thing to worry about.”
Rodrigues, 20, currently travels to Markham for a Co-op placement. “I’m spending just over $17 a day and I go to work five days a week,” he said. “It’s just nice knowing that number is going to be a little smaller.”
‘A game changer’
The Feb. 5 press conference included Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Associate Minister of Transportation Vijay Thanigasalam.
“This program will be a game changer for transit riders,” said Ford. “It will be a massive saving for transit riders and putting money back into people’s pockets.”
Ford said that the program will lead to an estimated 8 million new rides every year and save riders an average of $1600 per year.
The provincial government will be investing $67 million to “kickstart” the One Fare program, according to Thanigasalam.
The integration of this program will build upon the groundwork laid by earlier fare integration programs. Those deals saw fare integration between local transit services and GO Transit but failed to include TTC.
“It’s making [Torontonians and transit riders] lives a lot more affordable,” said Chow.
The Ontario Liberal Party released a statement in response, saying they are “pleased” with the completion of fare integration but will continue to push for a transit system that is reliable and affordable.
Taylor Morrison, a second-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University, hopes that the One Fare program will assist in making the student-life balance easier. “Between rent, books, and food, it’s been a little difficult to do things for me,” said Morrison. “I go home a lot so I use [the TTC] a lot.”
Rodrigues says he is excited to go out a little more often. “This semester, with the commute I’ve had to be more selective,” he said. “Now I’m excited to get out and see my friends more.”