Public transit

Public Transit in Canada

Public transit in Canada varies significantly by city. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have extensive subway, bus, and streetcar networks, while smaller cities rely mainly on buses. This guide explains how to use public transit, buy tickets and passes, and navigate the system in major Canadian cities.

Understanding how public transit works helps you save money, get around efficiently, and reduce your dependence on cars.

🚇 Quick Facts:

Tap-to-pay accepted in most cities • Monthly passes save money • Google Maps works everywhere • Most cities have smartphone apps

Buying tickets and passes

Where to buy tickets

Most common methods:

Tap credit/debit card: Most cities now accept contactless payment (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Transit app: Buy tickets on your phone (city-specific apps)
Fare card: Reloadable card (PRESTO in Toronto/Ottawa, Compass in Vancouver, OPUS in Montreal)
Station vending machines: Available at subway/train stations
Retail locations: Convenience stores, pharmacies (varies by city)

You usually CANNOT:

Pay with cash on buses (most cities phased this out)
Buy tickets from drivers (except some smaller cities)
Board without payment (all doors require tap/payment)

Types of tickets and passes

Single ride/trip:

Valid for one journey (including transfers within time limit)
Most expensive per trip
Typical cost: $3-$4
Transfer window: 90-120 minutes typically

Day pass:

Unlimited rides for one day
Good for tourists or occasional riders
Typical cost: $10-$14
Worth it if you take 4+ trips in a day

Weekly pass:

Unlimited rides for one week
Less common than monthly passes
Typical cost: $35-$50

Monthly pass:

Most economical for regular commuters
Unlimited rides for one month
Typical cost: $100-$160
Usually breaks even after 40-50 trips
Some employers subsidize transit passes

Annual pass (some cities):

Pay upfront for 12 months
Usually saves 1-2 months compared to monthly passes

💡 Save money with a monthly pass

Math:

Single fare: $3.50
Daily commute (2 trips): $7/day
Monthly cost at single fare: $7 × 22 working days = $154
Monthly pass: $130
Savings: $24/month or $288/year

If you commute to work 5 days a week, a monthly pass almost always saves money.

Fare zones

Some cities have zone-based pricing:

Vancouver (TransLink):

3 zones: Zone 1 (Vancouver), Zone 2 (Burnaby, New Westminster), Zone 3 (Surrey, Coquitlam)
Crossing zones costs more
After 6:30 PM and weekends: All zones count as 1 zone

Toronto (TTC/GO Transit):

TTC: Flat fare (no zones within Toronto)
GO Transit: Distance-based pricing (for regional travel)

Montreal (STM):

Flat fare within Montreal island
Extra zones for off-island travel (Laval, South Shore, North Shore)

Discounted fares

Students:

Usually 25-50% discount
Requires student ID or proof of enrollment
Available for high school and post-secondary students

Seniors (65+):

Usually 25-50% discount or free
Some cities offer free transit for seniors
May require senior's card

Children:

Under 12: Usually free or discounted
Under 5-6: Almost always free
Varies by city

Low-income:

Some cities offer discounted "fair pass" programs
Requires income verification
Up to 50% discount

Payment methods

Contactless payment (tap-to-pay)

Most convenient method in cities that support it:

Tap your credit/debit card on reader when boarding
Works with physical cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
Automatically calculates best fare (tracks your trips for daily/monthly caps)
Transfers handled automatically within time window
Charges your card later (not immediately)

Available in:

Toronto (TTC) - since 2023
Vancouver (TransLink) - partial rollout
Ottawa (OC Transpo) - with PRESTO
Calgary (Calgary Transit) - coming soon

Tips:

Use the same card/device every time for fare capping
Tap the same card when transferring
Check your credit card statement - charges may be batched

Reloadable fare cards

Most Canadian cities have their own fare card system:

Toronto/Ottawa: PRESTO card

Works on TTC, GO Transit, OC Transpo, UP Express
Plastic card: $6 (refundable)
Load online, at machines, or at retailers
Auto-reload available
Discounts: 15% discount on TTC with PRESTO vs. single fare

Vancouver: Compass Card

Works on SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus
Plastic card: $6 (non-refundable)
Load online or at machines
Must tap in AND tap out (zone-based pricing)

Montreal: OPUS Card

Works on Metro, buses, commuter trains
Plastic card: $6
Load at machines or authorized retailers
Required for monthly passes

Calgary: Calgary Transit fare card

Being replaced by new system
Monthly passes loaded on card

Mobile apps

Most cities have official transit apps for buying tickets:

Toronto: TTC app, PRESTO app
Vancouver: TransLink app, Compass Card app
Montreal: STM app, Chrono app
Ottawa: OC Transpo app
Calgary: Calgary Transit app

Features:

Buy single tickets or passes
Show digital ticket/QR code to driver or inspector
Check card balance
Trip planning
Service alerts

Payment: Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Cash (mostly phased out)

Most cities no longer accept cash on buses. Exceptions:

Some smaller cities still accept exact change
Station vending machines accept cash
Some retail locations accept cash for loading cards

If you only have cash:

Find a station with vending machine
Buy reloadable card or day pass
Then use card to board

Using public transit

Planning your trip

Best tools:

Google Maps: Works in all Canadian cities, most accurate for trip planning
Apple Maps: Also good for transit directions
City transit apps: Official apps have real-time arrival info and service alerts

What to check:

Departure and arrival times
Number of transfers
Walk distance to/from stops
Service disruptions or delays
Accessibility (elevator outages, etc.)

At the station/stop

Subway/Metro stations:

Enter through fare gates (tap card/phone)
Follow signs to your line and direction
Check digital displays for next train times
Stand back from yellow line while waiting
Let passengers exit before boarding

Bus stops:

Wait at marked stop (pole with bus number or shelter)
Check digital display for next bus (if available)
Signal bus by waving or making eye contact with driver
Board through front door
Tap card/phone on reader when boarding

Streetcar/tram stops:

Board at marked stops (islands or curb)
Use any door (all have card readers)
Tap when boarding

On the vehicle

Etiquette:

Priority seating: Give up seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled passengers
Move to the back: Don't block doors, move into the vehicle
Backpacks: Take off backpack, hold in front of you (less space)
Volume: Keep voices low, use headphones for music/videos
Food/drinks: Covered drinks okay, messy food not recommended
Personal space: Don't spread across multiple seats

Getting off:

Pull yellow cord or press red "STOP" button one stop before yours
Move toward doors before your stop
Wait for vehicle to stop completely
Exit through any door

Transfers:

Most cities give you 90-120 minutes to complete your journey
Tap same card when transferring
No extra charge if within transfer window
Can't go backwards on same route (no "stopover")

Safety tips

Stay alert, especially at night
Don't display expensive electronics obviously
Sit near driver on bus if alone at night
Trust your instincts - move if you feel uncomfortable
Know emergency procedures (alarm, intercom)
Keep belongings close, watch for pickpockets on crowded trains

⚠️ Fare inspection

Some cities have fare inspectors who check if you paid:

Proof of payment: Be ready to show your tapped card, ticket, or app
Fines: $200-$500 if caught without valid fare
Where they check: Mostly on streetcars, light rail, some subway lines
Plain clothes: Inspectors may not wear uniforms

Always have valid proof of payment. "I forgot" is not an excuse and you'll still get fined.

Transit in major cities

Toronto (TTC + GO Transit)

System overview:

Subway: 4 lines (Line 1 Yellow, Line 2 Green, Line 3 Scarborough, Line 4 Purple)
Streetcars: 11 routes (iconic red streetcars)
Buses: Extensive network
GO Transit: Regional trains and buses (Toronto to suburbs)

Fare:

Single ride: $3.35 (PRESTO), $3.55 (cash/card tap)
Monthly pass: $128 (PRESTO), $156 (Metropass)
Transfers: 2 hours
GO Transit: Distance-based ($5-$15+ depending on distance)

Payment:

PRESTO card (recommended)
Tap credit/debit card
TTC app (e-tickets)

Hours:

Subway: 6 AM - 1:30 AM (Mon-Sat), 8 AM - 1:30 AM (Sun)
24-hour bus routes available
Blue Night Network (300-series buses) after subway closes

Apps: TTC app, PRESTO app, Transit app

Website: ttc.ca

Vancouver (TransLink)

System overview:

SkyTrain: 3 lines (Expo, Millennium, Canada Line) - driverless automated trains
Buses: Extensive network
SeaBus: Ferry between downtown and North Vancouver
West Coast Express: Commuter rail

Fare (3 zones):

1 zone: $3.15 (adult), $2.00 (concession)
2 zones: $4.50 (adult), $2.00 (concession)
3 zones: $6.05 (adult), $2.00 (concession)
After 6:30 PM and weekends: All zones count as 1 zone
Monthly pass: $108.80 (1 zone), $144.50 (2 zones), $186.90 (3 zones)
DayPass: $11.25

Payment:

Compass Card (must tap in AND tap out)
Contactless credit/debit (tap in and out)
Transit app

Hours:

SkyTrain: 5 AM - 1 AM (varies by line)
Night buses replace SkyTrain after hours

Apps: TransLink app, Transit app

Website: translink.ca

Montreal (STM)

System overview:

Metro: 4 lines (Orange, Green, Yellow, Blue) - rubber-tired trains
Buses: Extensive network (10 night routes)
REM: New light rail system (partially open)

Fare:

Single trip: $3.75
2 trips: $7.00
10 trips: $31.00
Evening unlimited (after 6 PM): $5.75
Weekend unlimited: $14.50
Monthly pass: $97.00
Transfers: 120 minutes

Payment:

OPUS card (required for monthly passes)
Single tickets at machines
STM app

Hours:

Metro: 5:30 AM - 12:30 AM (varies by line)
Night buses (10 routes) after Metro closes

Apps: STM app, Chrono app, Transit app

Website: stm.info

Ottawa (OC Transpo)

System overview:

O-Train (LRT): 2 lines (Confederation Line, Trillium Line)
Buses: Extensive network

Fare:

Single ride: $3.80 (adult)
Monthly pass: $128.75 (adult)
Day pass: $11.25
Transfers: 90 minutes

Payment:

PRESTO card
OC Transpo app
Credit/debit tap

Website: octranspo.com

Calgary (Calgary Transit)

System overview:

CTrain (LRT): 2 lines (Red Line, Blue Line) - free in downtown
Buses: Extensive network

Fare:

Single ride: $3.70 (adult)
Day pass: $11.50
Monthly pass: $112.00 (adult)
Transfers: 90 minutes
Free downtown zone on CTrain (7th Ave between 10th St W and City Hall)

Payment:

Calgary Transit card
MyFare app
Tickets at vending machines

Website: calgarytransit.com

Edmonton (ETS)

System overview:

LRT: 2 lines (Capital Line, Metro Line)
Buses: Extensive network

Fare:

Single ride: $3.75 (adult)
Day pass: $11.25
Monthly pass: $103.00 (adult)

Payment:

Arc card
ETS app
Tickets at machines

Website: edmonton.ca/ets

💡 Smaller cities

Smaller Canadian cities typically have:

Bus-only systems (no rail)
Less frequent service (30-60 minute intervals)
Limited evening/weekend service
Simpler fare structures (flat rate, no zones)
More car-dependent (transit less comprehensive)

Examples: Winnipeg, Halifax, Victoria, Saskatoon, Regina, St. John's

Fare types and discounts

Student fares

Eligibility:

Elementary, high school, or post-secondary students
Must have valid student ID
Age limits vary by city (typically up to 19-25 for students)

Discount: 25-50% off adult fare

How to get it:

Apply through your school (some schools provide transit passes)
Register with transit agency (show proof of enrollment)
Load student fare on transit card

U-Pass (university/college pass):

Some universities include unlimited transit in tuition
Usually $150-$250 per semester (much cheaper than monthly passes)
Only valid during school terms
Mandatory for full-time students

Senior fares (65+)

Discount: 25-50% off or completely free (varies by city)

Free transit for seniors:

Calgary: Free for 65+
Edmonton: Free for 65+
Ottawa: Free for 65+ (off-peak hours)

Discounted fares:

Toronto: $2.35 (vs $3.35 adult)
Vancouver: $2.00 (vs $3.15+ adult)
Montreal: $2.30 (vs $3.75 adult)

How to get it:

Register for senior's card with transit agency
Show proof of age (driver's license, passport)
Load senior fare on transit card

Children and youth

Typical structure:

Under 5-6: Free (with paying adult)
Ages 6-12: Child fare (50-75% discount)
Ages 13-19: Youth fare (25-40% discount)

Varies significantly by city. Check local transit authority.

Low-income programs

Many cities offer discounted "fair fare" or "sliding scale" programs:

Examples:

Toronto Fair Pass: 33% discount for low-income residents
Vancouver HandyDART: Door-to-door service for people with disabilities
Calgary Sliding Scale: Discounts based on income

Eligibility:

Usually based on household income
Must provide proof (tax return, social assistance documents)
Application through transit agency or social services

Employer transit benefits

Some employers offer:

Transit pass subsidy: Company pays portion of monthly pass (25-100%)
Pre-tax transit benefits: Buy passes with pre-tax dollars (saves income tax)
Corporate passes: Bulk discounts for businesses

Ask your HR department about transit benefits.

Transit apps and trip planning

Essential apps

Google Maps (iOS | Android)

Best for: Trip planning in any Canadian city
Features: Real-time arrivals, multiple route options, walking directions, accessibility info
Pros: Works everywhere, most accurate, shows delays
Cons: Can't buy tickets

Apple Maps (iOS)

Similar to Google Maps
Good transit directions in major cities
Real-time arrivals

Transit App (iOS | Android)

Best for: Real-time tracking and trip planning
Features: Live vehicle tracking, service alerts, trip planning, bike share integration
Pros: Beautiful interface, works in many cities, shows exact bus location
Cons: Can't buy tickets

City-specific apps

Toronto:

TTC app: Buy tickets, trip planning, service alerts
PRESTO app: Manage PRESTO card, load funds, check balance

Vancouver:

TransLink app: Buy tickets, trip planning, real-time arrivals
Compass Card app: Manage card, load funds

Montreal:

STM app: Buy tickets, trip planning, service info
Chrono app: Trip planning and real-time info

Ottawa:

OC Transpo app: Buy tickets, manage PRESTO, trip planning

Calgary:

Calgary Transit app: Trip planning, service alerts
MyFare app: Buy tickets and passes

Features to use

Real-time arrivals:

See exactly when next bus/train arrives
Updates if vehicle is delayed
Available at most stops and in apps

Service alerts:

Construction, delays, detours
Elevator outages (important for accessibility)
Special events affecting service

Trip planning:

Enter start and destination
Shows multiple route options
Calculates travel time including walks and waits
Can save favorite routes

Accessibility info:

Wheelchair accessible routes
Elevator locations and status
Low-floor bus routes

Bikes, strollers, and pets on transit

Bicycles on transit

General rules (varies by city):

Toronto (TTC):

Allowed on subway only (not on buses or streetcars)
During off-peak hours only: Before 6:30 AM, 10 AM-3:30 PM, after 7 PM on weekdays; anytime weekends
First and last cars only (look for bike symbol)
Free (no extra fare)
Folding bikes allowed anytime if folded

Vancouver (TransLink):

Allowed on SkyTrain, buses (bike racks), SeaBus
During off-peak hours on SkyTrain (before 6:30 AM, 9 AM-3 PM, after 6:30 PM weekdays; anytime weekends)
Use bike racks on front of buses (free)
Free (no extra fare)

Montreal (STM):

Allowed on Metro during off-peak (before 7 AM, 10 AM-4 PM, after 7 PM weekdays; anytime weekends)
First car only
Some buses have bike racks
Free (no extra fare)

Bike-sharing integration:

Most cities have bike share programs near transit stations
Toronto: Bike Share Toronto
Vancouver: Mobi by Shaw Go
Montreal: BIXI
Ottawa: VeloGO

Strollers and mobility aids

Always allowed:

Baby strollers
Wheelchairs
Walkers
Mobility scooters

Tips:

Use designated priority/accessible areas
Fold stroller if crowded (not always required)
Secure wheels/brakes on vehicles
Board through wider doors when available

Pets on transit

General rules (varies by city):

Small pets:

Allowed if in carrier/container
Must fit on your lap
Usually free

Service animals:

Always allowed
Must be clearly identified
Free

Large dogs:

Toronto: Not allowed unless service animal
Vancouver: Allowed during off-peak if on leash and muzzled
Montreal: Not allowed unless service animal
Varies by city - check local rules

Large items and luggage

Generally allowed:

Luggage and suitcases
Shopping carts (small folding ones)
Sports equipment in bags
Musical instruments in cases

Not allowed:

Items blocking aisles or doors
Dangerous or hazardous materials
Items offensive to others

Tips:

Avoid peak hours if traveling with large items
Keep items out of aisles
Be considerate of other passengers

Accessibility

Accessible transit features

Canadian transit systems are required to be accessible:

Stations and stops:

Elevators at all stations (or ramps/street-level access)
Tactile warning strips at platform edges
Audio announcements
Visual displays
Accessible fare gates (wider gates)
Accessible customer service areas

Vehicles:

Low-floor buses (no steps)
Ramps or lifts
Priority seating near front
Wheelchair securement areas
Audio and visual stop announcements

Not all stations are accessible

Some older stations lack elevators:

Toronto:

About 75% of subway stations have elevators
Check TTC website for accessible stations map
Elevator outage information available online and in apps

Montreal:

About 25% of Metro stations have elevators (improving)
Most bus routes are accessible

Vancouver:

All SkyTrain stations are accessible
All buses have low-floor access

Before you travel:

Check station accessibility on transit website
Plan alternative routes if elevators are out of service
Check real-time elevator status in apps

Specialized accessible transit

Most cities offer door-to-door accessible transit services:

Toronto - Wheel-Trans:

Door-to-door service for people unable to use regular transit
Must register and be approved
Book trips in advance
Same fare as regular TTC

Vancouver - HandyDART:

Shared-ride, door-to-door service
For people unable to use regular transit
Must register
Book trips in advance

Montreal - Adapted transport:

Door-to-door service
Must apply and be approved
Advanced booking required

Eligibility:

Must have permanent or temporary disability preventing use of regular transit
Application process includes medical assessment
Free registration, pay per trip

Accessibility apps and resources

Google Maps: Shows wheelchair-accessible routes
Transit app: Elevator status, accessible routes
City transit websites: Accessibility maps, elevator status, accessible station lists
Twitter/X: Many transit agencies post real-time elevator outages

💡 Accessibility rights

Under Canadian law, transit agencies must:

Provide equivalent service to people with disabilities
Make reasonable accommodations
Not discriminate based on disability

If you experience accessibility issues:

Report to transit agency's accessibility office
File complaint with Canadian Transportation Agency if not resolved
Know your rights under the Accessible Canada Act