GTA Transit Riders Can Now Use Debit Cards to Pay on Presto Devices

GO Transit, UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, and other transit services now allow passengers to pay via debit cards on PRESTO devices. This move is going to make travel more convenient as people will not only be able to use their debit cards, but their mobile phones and smartwatches to pay.

PRESTO launched credit-card payments in August 2022 and has since seen a million card taps on its devices. Now, the company is allowing users of GO Transit, UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, MiWay in Mississauga, Oakville Transit, and York Region Transit to pay for their trips using their debit cards on PRESTO devices.

Passengers will be able to use their smartphones or smartwatches to make the payment. They will also be able to use paratransit services in Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton, York Region, Oakville, and Ottawa using debit payments.

Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said, “With millions of active users across the GTHA, the launch of debit payment on PRESTO devices is another way our government is making transit more convenient and accessible for Ontarians. By increasing transit payment options, we are giving more people more options to access public transit in ways that work for them.”

The ability to pay via debit and credit cards may come to Toronto Transit Commission services this summer as the Ontario government is working with the company to make it happen.

Riders are advised to check prices before tapping and that there may be discounts when using a PRESTO card.

Vineet Washington