Fare Information

At its meeting on January 9, 2012, the Metrolinx Board of Directors approved a GO Transit fare increase, the first in almost two years, which will take effect on February 18, 2012.

In keeping with the promises of our Passenger Charter, we want to continue to maintain a high level of customer service while making improvements across our system. The fare increase will help us meet the growing demand for GO services by providing more parking spaces, improving service reliability, ensuring our facilities and equipment are well-maintained, and keeping our riders in the know with even better communications.

As of February 18, the cost of an adult single-ride ticket will increase incrementally as follows:

• 30 cent increase on current fares between $4.20 and $5.50;
• 35 cent increase on current fares between $5.51 and $7.00; and
• 40 cent increase on current fares greater than $7.00.

We have made every effort to create a fair and balanced fare system for customers across our system. By introducing three different fare increase increments based upon distance travelled, we are ensuring the increase is more even across all fares.

All other GO fare categories will also be affected by this increase accordingly.

Fare Calculator

To calculate your new fare, visit the Fare Calculator section.

Changes to the fare discount structure

• Purchasing an adult monthly pass would now save 15% off the cost of 40 single-ride tickets. PRESTO users will continue to save 17.5% off the cost of 40 single-ride tickets.
• For students, purchasing a monthly pass would now save 30% off the cost of 40 single-ride tickets. PRESTO student users will continue to save 35% off the cost of 40 single-ride tickets.

Visit the FAQ section for more information.

Getting on the train is quick and easy. You do not need to deposit or show a ticket or pass every time you ride; however, you must keep your ticket handy to show during random spot checks.

It is very important that your ticket (your proof of payment) indicates the correct fare zones. Your fare zones are printed on your ticket based on the origin and destination you told the ticket seller.

Read about using two-ride and 10-ride tickets.

A transit enforcement officer, customer attendant, bus driver, or other proper authority can ask to see your ticket on the train or bus, or in any other fare-paid area of the GO system. If you cannot show a ticket, you are liable to be fined.

Bus drivers inspect tickets and passes when you board and exit the bus.

Tickets and passes are available from:

• GO Train stations, GO Bus terminals, and GO Transit ticket agencies. See ticket sales hours at all GO locations.
• GO Bus drivers (single-ride tickets, day passes, and group passes only)
  Note: Passengers travelling on the Oshawa Hwy. 2 Express GO Bus service (route 95) are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at a GO Train station, bus terminal, or ticket agency, rather than from bus drivers.
• Automated ticket vending machines (single-ride tickets or day passes). These machines are found at most GO Train stations, and accept credit cards, debit cards, and coins*. Choose your station from a list of all GO locations to find out if it has a ticket vending machine.
  *Machines at Clarkson, Long Branch, Mimico, and Bloor GO Stations do not accept cash

You can pay for your tickets or passes with cash (Canadian or U.S.) or traveller’s cheques. If you’re buying your tickets or passes at a GO Train station, a ticket vending machine*, or at the Newmarket, Yorkdale, York Mills, or Union Station GO Bus Terminal, you can also pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or debit card.

*Machines at Clarkson, Long Branch, Mimico, and Bloor GO Stations do not accept cash

Here are some simple tips to make purchasing your ticket easier:

• Buy your monthly pass before month’s end. Monthly passes go on sale 10 days before the beginning of the month, and line-ups are generally much longer at the very end and very beginning of the month.
• Buy your tickets or passes at your home station or at your local GO Transit ticket agency instead of at Union Station. Make sure to check your home station’s ticket sales hours first. Check the list of stations, terminals, and ticket agencies to find out if there’s a ticket agency near you.

Many local transit systems connect with the GO Train in your community, so why not leave your car at home? You'll find out how easy it is, and how it can save you money. GO subsidizes your fare and gets you a discounted ride to or from a GO Train station on many local transit systems. All you need to do is show your GO ticket or pass to the bus driver.

Discounts are available on many local transit systems for regular GO customers.

We will refund the applicable value for the unused portion of 10-ride tickets within 30 days of purchase. Unused portions of an adult, student, senior, or child monthly pass may be refunded within the month it is valid; see the refund calculation below to determine your refund value. These are the only ticket types that are eligible for refunds.

Here is how a 10-ride refund is determined:

• Start with the total cost of the 10-ride ticket
• Deduct this amount: the number of trips that have been used, multiplied by the regular, non-discounted single fare for the trip
• Your refund is the amount that remains

Here is how a monthly pass refund is determined:

• Start with the total cost of the pass
• Deduct this amount: the number of days the pass was used (from the first of the month up to and including the date it was turned in), multiplied by two trips per day, then multiplied by the regular, non-discounted single fare for the trip
• Your refund is the amount that remains

Refund requests must be made by mail to our head office. A 15% administration fee is applied to each processed request. To submit a refund request, please ask for a Refund Application Form and an addressed return envelope at your station. We also offer a printable version of the refund request form in pdf format. The mailing address is included on the form.

Unused GO tickets and passes can be exchanged or upgraded for tickets or passes of higher value, with no processing fee.

On November 11, we will offer free GO transportation for veterans and their companion. Veterans are asked to identify themselves by wearing their medals, beret, blazer, uniform, or other similar belongings while traveling. Immediate family members of deceased veterans may also ride for free if carrying something to identify their relations to the late veteran, such as service papers or an identification card.