Metrolinx is reducing PRESTO fares on short-distance GO Transit trips in the Greater Golden Horseshoe by more than $1 starting April 20.

The fare for GO trips that are about 10 kilometres or less is being reduced to $3.70 — a 21 per cent reduction from the lowest PRESTO fares of $4.71. This new, lower fare will apply to any trip made between any GO stations or bus stops across the region that are within roughly 10 kilometres of each other. Those who pay with single-fare paper tickets will also benefit from reduced fares for these trips, going from the lowest fare of $5.30 to $4.40.

“These significant reductions in short-distance fares, by at least 21 per cent and by as much as 40 per cent for some journeys, is a huge step towards making public transit even more affordable and more attractive for the people in our communities,” said Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster. “This gives our GO customers a better, faster and easier way to get across town for work, trips to the mall, family visits or a night out.

Ninety-two per cent of GO trips are paid for by PRESTO.

“We are now running 359 more train trips per week than 18 months ago, growing our services by more than 20 per cent in the last year alone,“ Verster said.

In addition to this fare reduction, Metrolinx is also introducing a modest fare increase for longer-distance GO trips on April 20. PRESTO fares for trips greater than approximately 10 kilometres will increase by up to four per cent. The price of a single-fare paper ticket, used for eight per cent of GO trips, will be increased by up to 10 per cent for trips greater than 10 kilometres. With these fare changes, the discount for using PRESTO instead of single-fare paper tickets will increase from 11 per cent to 16 per cent.

The Metrolinx Board of Directors will vote on the proposed fare changes on April 10.