York Region Transit will increase fares by three per cent beginning in July, sparking outrage among commuters online.
The transit system will implement the new fares starting July 1. The change comes as part of an approved decision by York Region Council in the 2026 budget.
According to York Region, the fare increase is intended to help cover rising operating costs due to high inflation, as well as support the continued delivery of transit services throughout the region.
As part of the adjustment, adult fares paid with Presto will increase from $4.12 to $4.24.
Youth fares will rise from $3.19 to $3.29, while fares for seniors and children will increase from $2.52 to $2.60.
Riders paying without a PRESTO card, including those using cash, credit, or debit, will see the highest fares, which will increase from $4.50 to $4.65.
Compared to other regions, York Region Transit already has some of the higher fare prices in the Greater Toronto Area. While Durham, Brampton, and Mississauga all have cash fares above $4.00, adult Presto fares in those systems remain below that threshold.
Meanwhile, the TTC has adult fares ranging between $3.30 and $3.35, making it the most affordable municipal transit system in the region.
Transit riders have taken to social media to express frustration over the increase, with some calling the system “robbery.”
“This is a legalized robbery done by York Region. And thanks to all the price increases, now for certain trips, taking GO Transit is cheaper,” one Reddit user wrote.
“And then the council will be asking why nobody takes the bus,” another user commented.
“With these high fares, no one is going to take transit. Less ridership, higher fares, repeat,” another added.
According to York Region Transit, the system does offer ways to reduce costs, including a fare capping program that allows riders to travel free for the rest of the month after reaching 40 trips for adults, 39 trips for youth, or 28 trips for seniors and children.
