Automatic savings for transit riders in 2026 budget
TORONTO - Mayor Olivia Chow and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers announced fare capping is coming to the TTC, which will make transit more affordable for riders across the city.
Starting September 2026, TTC riders will automatically ride for free after taking 47 trips in a calendar month, with no upfront costs. This is part of the Mayor’s 2026 budget.
“We’re making life more affordable for people who rely on transit,” said Mayor Chow. “With fare capping, you pay as you go, and once you’ve taken 47 trips in a month, the rest of your rides are free. No more deciding whether you can afford a monthly pass upfront. No more overpaying if you don’t ride enough to make a pass worth it.”
To make transit even more affordable, Mayor Chow will ask the TTC to plan for an even lower fare cap of 40 rides for the 2027 budget.
The new fare capping program works automatically for all riders using PRESTO, debit or credit. Once a rider reaches 47 trips, all additional rides that month are free. Fare capping benefits all fare types: adults, seniors, and youth.
“Fare capping represents a fundamental shift in how Torontonians pay for transit. It builds on the TTC’s successful roll out of Open Payments,” said TTC Chair Myers. “Taken together with Mayor Chow’s and the TTC’s board’s decision to freeze fares for the third straight year, fare capping is an important step in building a transit system that’s affordable for Torontonians.”
“We’re increasing subway, bus and streetcar service and maintenance without raising TTC fares,” said Mayor Chow. “Now, with fare capping, the more you ride the TTC, the less you pay.”
The fare capping program builds on Mayor Chow’s commitment to making transit affordable, reliable and safe.