Students taking transit this fall can tap into a number of PRESTO benefits to make their transit experience easier and more affordable. 

Check out the latest improvements and some helpful reminders for high school and post-secondary students who might have taken a break over the summer. 

Travel easier with PRESTO  

The digital PRESTO card is now available in Google Wallet and Apple Wallet. PRESTO in Mobile Wallet lets you tap your phone or watch to pay for transit across the region with all the other benefits of a physical PRESTO card. Already have a physical PRESTO card but want to switch to Mobile Wallet? It’s easy and free to convert your card to PRESTO in Apple Wallet or PRESTO in Google Wallet. 

Or you can buy a new card from the PRESTO app. A new digital PRESTO card is $0. 

Alternatively, riders can purchase a physical PRESTO card for $4 by visiting select Shoppers Drug Mart locations, a Fare Vending Machine (located in all TTC subway stations), all Ticket Vending Machines (located in all GO Transit and UP Express stations) or a PRESTO customer service outlet. Click here for a list of locations. 

After purchasing a PRESTO card, users should set up a PRESTO account and register their card to take advantage of benefits like balance protection and Autoload. Plus, with Ontario’s One Fare, riders only pay once when travelling between TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit when paying with a PRESTO card, credit or debit, or PRESTO in Mobile Wallet!  

For those who already have an account, this is a good time to ensure your account information is up to date.  

Set a fare type for savings    

Both physical and digital PRESTO cards support youth, post-secondary student, adult and senior fare types. For more information on fare types and eligibility, visit our Fare Types page. 

All youth and teens aged 13-19, regardless of school status, save 40 per cent on GO with PRESTO. They just have to show a Canadian school-issued ID or government-issued photo ID at Union Station or a customer service outlet to set up the Youth fare on a PRESTO digital or physical card. 

Riders between the ages of 20 and 64 may be eligible for a post-secondary fare type. If they are a full-time student attending an approved post-secondary institution in Ontario, they can receive discounts on GO Transit and UP Express.  

To get these savings, students should apply online for a GO Transit Student ID. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available starting Aug. 30, 2024.  

Get to campus faster

Metrolinx offers several bus routes that help students get right to campus. Starting Aug. 31, there will be more GO bus service to post-secondary institutions, including express options and new routes.  The 29A bus will go to University of Guelph, and the 41D bus will take rides to Centennial College.

Plus, GO Wi-Fi Plus is available on all our buses and trains, so it is easier than ever for students to study or do work on their commute.  

Find out which colleges and universities we serve here.  

Get discounts with PRESTO Perks 

All PRESTO cardholders, including cards in mobile wallets, can get discounts on events, entertainment, attractions, and more with PRESTO Perks.

Cardholders can save big time with PRESTO Perks such as 15 per cent off general admission to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 15 per cent off the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and up to 50 per cent off select shows and musicals at Mirvish theatres, plus much more. 

Learn more about the Perks available for PRESTO cardholders.  

Metrolinx YOUth

Metrolinx supports youth by providing access to reliable and affordable transit options, while engaging with young people across the region through community presentations, event pop-ups and more! In addition, we welcome over 100 young people into early talent programs annually, kick-starting careers that will help shape the future of transit.

Learn more about how we are supporting the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow on our new Metrolinx YOUth web page.

Originally published: August 2023 

Last updated: September 2024