The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has introduced a new monthly fare capping feature that allows commuters to travel for free after taking 47 trips within a month. The system functions by enabling riders to tap their Presto, Interac debit, or credit card, including those in mobile wallets, when boarding a vehicle or entering a station.
Once a passenger reaches 47 paid trips in a calendar month using the same payment method and card or device, they will not be charged for additional TTC trips for the remainder of that month. The trip count resets at the start of the following month. It is crucial for riders to stick to the same payment method and card or device throughout the month to reach the monthly fare cap as switching payment methods will tally trips separately.
According to the TTC, a paid trip is initiated with the first tap that triggers a two-hour transfer window, during which additional taps are free.
The implementation of this new fare capping system means commuters no longer need to purchase a monthly pass upfront or pre-determine their frequency of travel, as per the TTC. Consequently, the TTC has discontinued its youth, adult, senior, and fair pass transit discount program monthly passes, along with its youth and senior 12-month passes, effective from Monday. However, adult 12-month passes and TTC post-secondary monthly passes remain available.
Based on a $3.30 adult fare, the maximum cost to take 47 TTC trips in a month amounts to $155.10. In comparison, the previous adult monthly pass was priced at $156. Without fare capping, commuting twice a day for 30 days at $3.30 each trip would have cost $198, resulting in approximately $42.90 in savings with the fare capping system.
Andrew Pulsifer, the executive director of transit advocacy group TTCriders, expressed enthusiasm for the fare capping system, stating that it enhances affordability for riders. He emphasized the importance of making transit more economically accessible, especially amid current financial challenges faced by Torontonians. Pulsifer noted that the fare capping system is particularly advantageous for groups already benefiting from lower fares, such as seniors and youth.
TTCriders advocates for a reduction in the monthly fare cap from 47 to 40 trips, a proposal supported by Mayor Olivia Chow if re-elected. The fare capping initiative was driven by public demand for a more affordable TTC, with city council responsive to the community’s concerns.
Stuart Green, spokesperson for the TTC, mentioned in an email that the fare capping system is projected to incur costs of approximately $3 million for the TTC in 2026.