Canadian troops and veterans get free year-round bus rides in Mississauga

Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members can now ride transit buses free of charge year-round in Mississauga.

Starting Wednesday, Canada Day, all CAF regular and reserve members as well as veterans can board MiWay buses for free upon presentation of the appropriate identification. Previously, they could ride the buses in Mississauga without paying a fare only on Remembrance Day in November and on the day of the Warriors’ Day Parade held each August in Toronto — as is the case in most Ontario municipalities.

The City of Mississauga said in a news release the new service aligns with “broader regional efforts to support those who serve.”

As of January this year, veterans and other Canadian Armed Forces members can ride GO Transit and the UP Express (between Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga and Union Station in downtown Toronto) for free throughout the year.

City proud to honour veterans and active CAF members

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the city and MiWay, the city’s transit provider, are proud to honour veterans and active CAF members with free bus rides every day of the year.

“Offering the service in this way builds on our priority to promote accessible public transit. MiWay plays a key role helping our residents stay active and connected, and builds a cohesive and inclusive city where everyone can move freely and contribute to community life,” she said in the news release.

Maureen Cosyn Heath, director and general manager of MiWay, added “transit offers a convenient, stress‑free way to stay connected to work, services and the community. MiWay is proud to make transit easier and more accessible to those who have served our community and country.”

Must use Presto card to ride bus for free

To ride the buses for free, veterans and CAF members must show valid military identification or other proof of service, the city said. Additionally, they must use Presto fare cards to board the buses.

In approving the plan in April, Mississauga city council noted it was doing so to “recognize veterans and CAF members for their service while helping reduce daily travel costs. The program gives eligible riders more affordable access to work, appointments, services, community activities and opportunities to explore the city.”

Mississauga Ward 7 Coun. Dipika Damerla tabled the original motion seeking to provide free rides to CAF members and veterans.

In its preamble, the motion noted:

• All CAF members are “valued members” of Canadian society.
• Many serving members, particularly reservists, are “facing increasing financial pressures due to the rising cost of living in Mississauga and the broader region while balancing military duties, civilian employment and family responsibilities.”
• CAF members who commute from Mississauga to Moss Park Armoury or Fort York Armoury, both in Toronto, benefit from complimentary travel on MiWay as a result of the provincial government’s One Fare Program while the same members commuting entirely within Mississauga to access the Toronto Scottish Regiment Armoury previously had to pay the full MiWay fare.
• Providing complimentary MiWay rides for CAF members and veterans would be “a tangible demonstration of the City of Mississauga’s appreciation for their service and would align with broader regional efforts to recognize their contributions and sacrifices.”

CAF members and veterans who use MiWay will also be able to get free transfers via Ontario’s One Fare Program and transfer to the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, Durham Region Transit or York Region transit.

(Photos: City of Mississauga)