To help riders hard hit by the pandemic, York Region is holding the line on transit fares, which means riders will continue to pay the rates set in 2019.
“York Regional Council remains committed to providing a reliable and customer-focused transit system for travellers across the Region,” says Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Freezing transit fares will support travellers who rely on public transit to get to work, school and other places they need and want to go.”
Riders who use the Presto Pass or York Region Transit (YRT) app pay $2.40 (children aged six years and older and seniors), $3.03 (youth), $3.88 (adults). The cash fare is $4.25 for all ages. Visit www.yrt.ca for full fare information, including the additional fee for Express service.
“YRT has continued to operate throughout the pandemic, ensuring transit remains a viable option for all residents,” says Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, chair of the Region’s Transportation Services. “Transit remains an essential service for many and supports communities and travellers by maintaining fares and meeting the demands of customers through a variety of transit options.”
YRT has been adjusting service levels to meet demand to manage impacts to operating costs. That includes replacing conventional service with demand response service in lower ridership areas. Since early 2020, it has provided Mobility On-Request, a ride-sharing service that allows you to request transit when and where you need it, to York residents aged 65 and older with a trip to and from their residence to go to a vaccine appointment.
That service was recently expanded in Georgina, East Gwillimbury and Whitchurch-Stouffville to include riders of all ages going to and from vaccine appointments.
Residents under the of 18 who require a vaccine can travel with an adult to the vaccination clinic or pharmacy. Each rider will pay a fare. To book a trip, call 1-866-744-1119 Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Bookings are accepted up to two days before a scheduled vaccine appointment. For weekend appointments, call on the Friday prior to that weekend.
For major service alerts, news, travel tips and other relevant transit information, call 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978), visit yrt.ca or follow YRT on social media. Check out talk2yrt.ca to view questions and answers about YRT or submit your own questions. Most transit services in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area are also freezing fares, the Region says in a report to Council.
