Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton transit riders tapped into new fare system

Metrolinx’s PRESTO contactless fare system is proving to be quite popular with riders in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville.

The proof, the provincial government reports, is in the numbers.

Over 100,000 customers hopping on GO Transit, MiWay in Mississauga, Brampton Transit and Oakville Transit have tapped their credit card since the option was launched in August.

The system allows riders to pay their fare by tapping a credit card – like a VISA Card – on a PRESTO device using contactless payment options.

That includes those cards on your smartphone or smartwatch.

“As part of Premier Ford’s commitment to improving customer service for Ontarians, our government is making it easier and more convenient for people to access public transit,” said Kaleed Rasheed, MPP for Mississauga East-Cooksville.

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“Whether you’re getting to work, school, or home, this advancement in our contactless payment system will make it more seamless for thousands of commuters in Mississauga and the GTA who use public transit everyday.”

A pilot program of the tap to pay was initially launched on UP Express in 2021, before the option was extended to the Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville transit systems and the entire Go Transit network back in August.

The province plans to expand the payment options to Greater Toronto and Hamilton, including payment by debit, in 2023.

PRESTO is used by 11 regional transit agencies.

“After a successful launch of our pay with credit option across the GO network and select local systems, including Brampton Transit, our government is now laser-focused on getting the rest of the 905 on board and integrating debit payment beyond UP Express,” said Hardeep Grewal, MPP for Brampton East.