Increased bus fares on the way for public transit riders in Mississauga

After seeing no fare increases this year, passengers who ride MiWay transit buses in Mississauga will pay a little more for their trips in 2026.

The revised transit fares were given the go-ahead by city councillors who took part in a City of Mississauga 2026 budget committee meeting at city hall on Wednesday.

The increased rider fees “are in response to the increasing cost of operating transit” and they’ll also help pay for future transit objectives and improvements, the city said in a news release on Thursday.

The following fares for MiWay passengers will be increased starting next year:

• Presto adult single fare, from $3.40 to $3.50
• Presto youth single fare, from $2.65 to $2.90
• Adult monthly pass, from $141 to $145
• Affordable Transit Program discounted adult Presto monthly pass, from $70.50 to $72.50
• Cash fare for adult and youth, from $4.25 to $4.50
• Cash fare for seniors, from $1 to $4.50

The relatively sizeable cash fare hike for seniors ($1 to $4.50) aims to encourage those riders to transition from cash fares to Presto passes, city officials say.

Since this past July, older adults ages 65-over have been riding MiWay buses free of charge, and will continue to do so, as long as they’re using Presto passes.

In addition to receiving discounted MiWay fares by using Presto, those riders will also get free transfers when connecting with the Toronto Transit Commission and GO Transit, city officials said.

“This also helps harmonize all cash fares paid on MiWay at the same price for all, regardless of age (adults, youth or seniors),” the city added.

Budget committee members also approved other changes to city fees/charges as they look ahead to finalizing the city’s 2026 budget in the next four months or so.

In addition to MiWay fare hikes, increases and/or new charges were also approved in areas that include recreation and culture, transportation and works, library and permits for people or businesses using certain city services, officials noted.

“The updated user fees and charges will help sustain city finances and revenues more effectively. While most programs and services are funded through property taxes, the user fees and charges are important in offsetting costs in other areas,” said Marisa Chiu, Mississauga’s commissioner of corporate services and treasurer. “User fees are paid by those who use and directly benefit from the program or service. The updated fees help respond to the rising demand for services and inflationary pressures, while ensuring equitable pricing so that everyone has access to affordable programs.”

MiWay last raised fares in April 2024. City officials said at the time those hikes were needed to pay for transit service improvements in response to increased ridership demand, customer needs and future growth.

The city’s next budget committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026. The session is open to the public.