TORONTO, June 9, 2026 – York Region announced on June 8 that York Region Transit fares will increase by three per cent starting July 1. Adult PRESTO fares will rise from $4.12 to $4.24, youth fares from $3.19 to $3.29, and senior and child fares for ages six to 12 from $2.52 to $2.60. Cash, credit card or debit card fares will increase from $4.50 to $4.65. York Region said the fare increase was approved in the 2026 budget to address rising operating costs and support transit service.
For York Region commuters, newcomer families, students, seniors and car-free households, the increase may appear small for a single trip, but monthly transportation costs can add up for daily commuters or families with multiple riders. Many residents in Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket and other areas need to transfer between YRT, the TTC and GO Transit, making transportation costs directly connected to work, school, medical appointments and grocery trips.
York Region also listed several fare-saving options. YRT said PRESTO users can receive discounts of up to 44 per cent compared with cash fares. PRESTO users who reach a certain number of trips within a calendar month can ride YRT for free for the rest of that month. Passengers travelling to or from GO Transit can ride YRT for free with a GO ticket. Riders using PRESTO, credit cards or debit cards can also transfer for free between YRT and the TTC within a two-hour transfer window.
These arrangements are especially important for low-income riders and car-free households. Some residents may focus only on the single-trip fare increase without recalculating their commuting method. Others, including seniors, youth and newcomers, may not know whether they qualify for discounted fares, monthly fare caps or transfer savings. If riders continue using cash, credit cards or debit cards for long-term travel, their actual costs may be higher than using PRESTO.
However, discounts and transfer benefits do not automatically give every rider the maximum savings. Eligibility depends on payment method, age category, transfer route, time of use and qualification rules. Residents who use YRT, the TTC and GO Transit should review their commuting routes and payment methods before July 1 to confirm whether they should switch to PRESTO, use monthly fare caps or take advantage of transfer arrangements.
The fare increase also does not mean transit service will improve immediately. York Region said the increase is intended to cover operating costs under high inflation and support future service investment. For riders, the issues to watch include whether peak-hour frequency, on-time performance, transfer connections and service in more remote communities improve with future funding. Low-income residents facing transportation cost pressure should check York Region’s transit assistance and fare discount programs early to avoid paying more because they are unfamiliar with the rules.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
