TTC Seeks to Eliminate Double Fares, Launches New Streetcars

A new report going to the Toronto Transit Commission's (TTC) Nov. 22 Board recommends the TTC enter Ontario’s One-Fare program that would eliminate double fares for customers transferring between the TTC, GO Transit, and other GTA transit agencies by early 2024.

Customers pay a double fare when taking the TTC and GO Transit or another transit agency in the same trip, according to the agency's news release. 

Under the One-Fare program, customers transferring between TTC and GO Transit will be reimbursed for their single-ride TTC fare, while those transferring between the TTC and a municipal transit agency will be able to use their two-hour transfer without paying a second fare. 

Under the One-Fare program, the Province of Ontario, through Metrolinx, would reimburse 100% of eligible trips to transit agencies for foregone fare box revenue. 

Eligible trips would include those made within the two-hour free transfer period using a PRESTO fare card, PRESTO in Mobile Wallet, debit, or credit card. It would not apply to customers paying with cash or with a TTC ticket or token.

If adopted by the TTC, the One-Fare program would begin in early 2024.

TTC's Major Streetcar Announcement

The first of 60 new TTC streetcars officially entered service on Nov. 17 with an inaugural run on the 504 King route. 

The new streetcars are jointly funded by $568 million in contributions from the federal government, the Ontario government, and the City of Toronto.

The new vehicles are being produced by Alstom at their Thunder Bay facility. The remaining streetcars will be delivered throughout 2023, 2024, and 2025.

“A thriving Toronto—with reliable and sustainable public transit—is very much a part of our economic plan. Just as creating good-paying, middle-class jobs in Canada and in this city is central to our economic plan,” said Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “We are investing in Toronto, and in Toronto’s transit infrastructure. These new made-in-Canada streetcars for the TTC are yet another example of how the people of Toronto have no greater partner than our federal government.”

The TTC’s 2023-2032 Capital Budget and Plan includes a $568 million streetcar program, consisting of 60 additional low-floor streetcars and the reconfiguring of Hillcrest Complex to accommodate the storage of at least 25 streetcars.