Province extends One Fare transit program that helps Markham, Stouffville commuters save money
By Gene Pereira, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Last year, over 7.6 million commuters in Markham and Stouffville, and across York Region, relied on One Fare to simplify cross-boundary travel and save money.
Riders will be happy to know that the wheels on the popular government transit program – which allows riders to pay only once when transferring between the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and York Region Transit, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and Peel TransHelp – are going to keep on turning.
The Ontario government recently announced that it is extending One Fare for an additional two years in an effort to help keep transit costs down for riders.
Government officials say that since the program launched in 2024, it has saved Ontarians almost $200 million and enabled nearly 62 million free transfers across York Region and other participating transit agencies.
One Fare riders can each save up to $1,600 per year.
York Region officials say they have benefited from the program, which is the result of years of advocacy and collaboration with the Province, Metrolinx, and partner transit agencies.
York Regional Council had been advocating for the continuation of the One Fare program and the funding beyond its initial two-year term.
“By simplifying cross-boundary travel and making it more affordable, the program has supported over 7.6 million trips (in the first year) and helped grow regional connectivity,” said Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO of York Region. “We thank the Government of Ontario for extending the program so York Region residents can continue to enjoy the convenience, savings and seamless travel One Fare provides.”
One Fare has helped build a more integrated transit network across the GTA and Hamilton, while helping commuters keep more money in their pocket.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on our promise to protect the hardworking people of Ontario in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “We’re extending the elimination of double fares through One Fare to make transit more affordable and convenient, saving commuters up to $1,600 each year.”
According to the York Region Transit Report, One Fare eliminated double fares between the YRT and TTC, resulting in 7.64 million cross-boundary trips and making for a 32.3 per cent increase in YRT ridership.
Cross-boundary trips increased by 27.6 per cent.
The province sent York Region $15.87 million in reimbursements to offset the free transfers.
“Transit is part of everyday life for so many in our communities. It’s how people get to work, school, appointments, and opportunities,” said Michael Lindsay, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “With One Fare, we’ve made that journey simpler and more affordable, and 37 per cent of riders say they’re using transit more since its launch.
“We’re proud to partner with the province and municipalities to keep improving how people move across our region.”
Transit riders can use a physical or digital PRESTO card, debit card, or credit card to access One Fare by simply tapping on and off with the same card for the full trip.
The transfers are good for two hours when a trip starts on local transit and for three hours when a trip starts on Go Transit.
More than 86,000 travellers are moved on the YRT every day at over 4,700 bus stops, with 121 bus routes, travelling 29 million kilometres.