The City of Toronto says it’s still looking into the possibility of modernizing Toronto Island ferry ticketing, and that could include integrating PRESTO fare options.
PRESTO integration on ferries has been long discussed at the city as part of a Toronto Island Park Master Plan.
In 2024, the city approved a motion to adopt the master plan, which includes modernizing ferry ticketing with options for a low discount program, and considerations for implementing PRESTO, which is currently used on the TTC and GO Transit. .
The city currently operates four ferries from Jack Layton Terminal to and from the islands, while other options to get to the island include water taxis that are operated by private companies.
Ferry tickets are $9.11 for adults, $5.86 for youth and seniors, and $4.29 for children.
Although the ferries are owned and operated by the city, PRESTO as a form of payment has not been integrated into the ferries like they have been on TTC-operated vehicles such as buses, subways, and streetcars.
Due to the lack of payment options, Torontonians have recently taken to social media to discuss the possibility of integrating the system for island-goers, with many citing it as a convenience.
“You can use your presto all over the GTA, the ferries ought to be included as well, it would make the process much easier,” one Reddit user said.
“Why can’t we just tap into the ferry.. It would make so much more sense if you could just tap in with your credit, debit or presto instead of now scanning a QR code or lining up to buy a ticket,” another user said.
“The ferry system in Sydney, Australia was like this too! So easy to transfer since the subway/tram stops right by the harbour,” another user said.
In a statement to Now Toronto, the City of Toronto says staff are actively exploring modernizing ferry ticketing solutions to provide council with recommendations as part of the Toronto Island Master Plan.
“The priority is to best understand how residents and visitors purchase ferry tickets (such as group purchases, passes, and concession fares), and evaluating the best service to meet those needs,” the statement said.
The city adds that it is in the process of doing its due diligence and will report back with all options to city council to deliberate on.
In addition to exploring modernizing ticketing options, the master plan also includes exploring options to deliver two new ferries, with city council already approving the $92 million price tag.
The city is in the process of accepting the public’s feedback on interior design options for the new ferries until July 7.
The Toronto Island Master Plan is expected to be rolled out over 25 years.
