On February 26, the Ford government’s fare integration policy was enacted. The program was initially supposed to launch in March 2023. The fully funded One-Fare program by the Ontario government will make commuting more accessible and affordable for transit users. This one-fare decision will enable transit users who transfer between the TTC and other GTA transit agencies to be charged only based on one fare. Customers can access one fare transfer between the lines of GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, and York Region Transit. Similar to the TTC, GO Transit customers will only be reimbursed for the TTC portion of their fare if they are within two hours of their first trip, representing how the one-fare program still has limitations attached. Regardless, the average GO Transit commuter will be able to save a significant amount, over $1000 in fares. All in all, the One-Fare program is a significant step towards making public transit more accessible and affordable for everyone, and it will undoubtedly have far-reaching benefits for commuters in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Ford government also estimates that around eight million new rides will be provided for customers annually. The government of Ontario has contributed $67 million to launch the program to support the initiative to make commuting more accessible and advance the 2041 Regional Transportation Plan. It also aims to contribute to the Greater Golden Horseshoe Transportation Plan, which outlines environmental initiatives. Many York University and Osgoode Hall Law School students are commuters and will substantially benefit from this program. However, these GO Transit customers hope the One-Fare program will continue for longer. They have raised their concerns regarding the implementation of this program, as it was in effect in March 2022 but was stopped due to the end of the pandemic. We can only hope for the one-fare program to remain implemented for the following years as it has begun to broaden its reach.
