TTC Board considers weekly fare capping ahead of monthly cap launch in September

The TTC Board is set to consider introducing weekly fare capping, a program that would allow riders to reach maximum savings faster than waiting for the monthly limit.

The motion, moved by TTC Vice-Chair Alejandra Bravo and seconded by TTC Chair Jamaal Myers, directs TTC staff to assess the feasibility of introducing a weekly fare cap. If the analysis finds the program is suitable and would have minimal budget impacts, staff would be directed to implement it.

Fare capping is a pay-as-you-go pricing model that ensures riders never pay more than a predetermined maximum number of fares within a set period. Once that threshold is reached, any additional trips during the period are free. According to the motion, introducing a weekly cap would provide riders with greater affordability and flexibility by allowing them to access fare savings sooner, rather than waiting until the end of the month.

The motion comes ahead of the TTC's planned rollout of monthly fare capping on September 1, and builds on the agency's five-year fare policy, which identifies weekly and daily fare capping as potential future enhancements. Supporters say a weekly fare cap would reward both frequent and occasional riders without requiring an upfront pass purchase, encourage more people to choose public transit, simplify fare payment by ensuring customers automatically receive the lowest available fare, and improve access to Ontario's One Fare Program for riders making cross-boundary trips.

Weekly fare capping has become increasingly common among transit agencies, including several in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area such as Brampton Transit, MiWay in Mississauga and Hamilton Street Railway.

Under the monthly program set to launch September 1, adult, youth, senior and Fair Pass customers will automatically receive free travel after paying for 47 trips in a calendar month. The TTC plans to reduce the monthly fare cap to 40 paid trips beginning in 2027.