PRESTO - Convenience And Simplicity

The Ontario government, GO Transit and nine municipal transit partners in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and in Ottawa, are introducing PRESTO — a new electronic fare system.

The PRESTO card uses the latest technology to make it easier to pay your fare while travelling within and between transit systems. It's the size of a debit card so it fits easily into your wallet, purse or pocket. Simply tap your card on the fare card reader on the bus or at the station. In a split second, the system deducts the fare from the balance on your card, and you're on your way. Unlike paper tickets or passes, the card is made of durable plastic so you can use it for years to come.

The PRESTO card is being rolled out in stages across the GTHA and Ottawa:

Fall 2009:

• GO Transit's Oakville, Bronte and Union GO rail stations
• Oakville Transit (10 buses on routes 22, 32 and 110)
• TTC: Union Subway Station

Spring 2010:

• GO Transit's Lakeshore West GO rail line
• Oakville Transit
• Burlington Transit
• TTC: Bloor/Yonge, College, Dundas, Queen's Park, St. George and St. Patrick subway stations

Summer 2010

• GO Transit's Georgetown and Milton rail lines

• TTC: Kipling and Islington subway stations

Fall 2010:

• GO Transit's Lakeshore East, Barrie and Richmond Hill GO rail lines, GO bus Lakeshore West and Airport Express routes

• Mississauga Transit
• Brampton Transit
• TTC: Don Mills, Downsview and Finch subway stations

Winter 2011:

• Durham Region Transit
• York Region Transit
• Hamilton Street Railway
• GO Transit's Stouffville GO rail line and GO bus routes

Late 2011:

• Ottawa's OC Transpo System