Toronto transit agencies launch fare pilot project

Metrolinx's GO Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) have paired up for a fare integration pilot project as part of a plan to ease commuters' travel around downtown Toronto.

The project will enable TTC Metropass holders to purchase a $60 sticker at GO Transit's Exhibition, Union and Danforth stations that will provide unlimited GO rail travel between those locations, offering an express travel option to and from the downtown core. The purchase price reflects a 65 percent discount over the regular cost of using GO Transit between these stations. Stickers will go on sale Jan. 26 in advance of the February service launch.

Riders traveling between Danforth GO Station and Union could save 15 minutes or more per trip during rush hour, compared with travel on the subway between TTC's Main Station and Union. Riders traveling between Exhibition GO Station and Union could save at least 10 minutes per trip during rush hour periods compared with travel on the TTC.

"What we learn from this year-long pilot project will help us better understand why and how customers use different types of transit so we can continue to keep the greater Toronto and Hamilton area moving," said Bruce McCuaig, president and chief executive officer of Metrolinx, in a press release.