Mayor Chow announced that as part of her 2026 Toronto Budget, fare capping will be introduced on the TTC starting in September 2026.

The cap will be set at 47 rides per calendar month and will apply to all fare classes including adults, seniors and youth. This will bring the senior’s and youth monthly fares down to the same multiple as adults. Chow also proposes that the TTC budget for a 40 ride cap in 2027.

The caps will apply to fares paid by Presto, debit or credit card provided that the same card is used for all rides. This is enabled by changes in Presto’s “back end” system that will keep track of rides used and charge accordingly. Monthly passes will disappear, but frequent riders will get the equivalent benefit without buying a pass up front. This is important for those on tight budgets who do not know what their travel habits will be in advance.

The anticipated cost in 2026 will be $2.9-million less TTC farebox revenue, and a further $0.6-million for the City due to the reduced effective price of their “Fair Pass” for low income riders.

This is a long-overdue change to the fare structure that was first approved in principle by the TTC Board many years ago. Now finally it will be implemented because of the Mayor’s willingness to fund it, and Presto’s ability to support it for all types of payment.

No details of how this scheme will interact with regional fare deals such as 905+416 trips and GO+TTC trips have been announced.

The proposal will first go to the TTC Board’s budget meeting in January, and then through the City’s budget process to Council on February 10, 2026.