The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board is set to consider introducing weekly fare capping after an urgent motion was tabled at what is expected to be the board’s final meeting before the municipal election.
The motion, moved by TTC Vice-Chair Alejandra Bravo and seconded by TTC Chair Jamaal Myers, directs TTC staff to assess the feasibility of introducing a weekly fare cap. If the analysis finds the program is suitable and would have minimal budget impacts, staff would be directed to implement it.
What is fare capping?
Fare capping is a pay-as-you-go pricing model that ensures riders never pay more than a predetermined maximum number of fares within a set period. Once that threshold is reached, any additional trips during the period are free.
The motion comes ahead of the TTC’s planned rollout of monthly fare capping on Sept. 1 and builds on the agency’s five-year fare policy, which identifies weekly and daily fare capping as potential future enhancements.
According to the motion, introducing a weekly cap would provide riders with greater affordability and flexibility by allowing them to access fare savings sooner, rather than waiting until the end of the month.
“Customers will always receive the best available fare, regardless of how frequently they travel from week to week, while avoiding the financial barrier associated with purchasing a monthly pass or waiting to reach a monthly fare cap,” the motion states.
Motion cites benefits for riders
The motion notes that weekly fare capping has become increasingly common among transit agencies, including several in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area such as Brampton Transit, MiWay in Mississauga and Hamilton Street Railway.
Supporters say a weekly fare cap would:
- Reward both frequent and occasional riders without requiring an upfront pass purchase.
- Encourage more people to choose public transit.
- Simplify fare payment by ensuring customers automatically receive the lowest available fare.
- Improve access to Ontario’s One Fare Program for riders making cross-boundary trips.
Monthly fare capping begins in September
The TTC’s monthly fare capping program is scheduled to launch on Sept. 1. Adult, youth, senior and Fair Pass customers will automatically receive free travel after paying for 47 trips in a calendar month.
The TTC plans to reduce the monthly fare cap to 40 paid trips beginning in 2027.
