Metrolinx lowers price of PRESTO cards

Metrolinx has lowered the price of PRESTO cards to make it easier for commuters to take transit across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Starting August 8, the cost of a PRESTO card was lowered to $4 from the current price of $6. PRESTO cards are available at transit customer service outlets, Shoppers Drug Mart locations, fare vending machines and ticket vending machines.

PRESTO cards can be used to pay fares across multiple transit agencies in the GTHA and Ottawa — including GO Transit and UP Express.

RELATED: You can now tap your credit card on Presto machines to pay GO Transit fares

A Metrolinx spokesperson said after customers purchase a new PRESTO card, they can create an account before loading money onto it. It can take up to 24 hours after purchase before this can be done.

Starting August 8, the price of a physical PRESTO card is dropping to $4. You’ll also be able to pay for fares on GO Transit, UP Express and participating 905 transit systems with your interac, debit, or credit card. And later this summer, you can do the same with us! ????

— TTC Customer Service (@TTChelps) August 2, 2023

Some transit agency discounts, including those for youth, post-secondary students and seniors, are only available with a PRESTO card.

One year ago, Metrolinx introduced the option of tapping with a debit or credit card, including those on a phone or watch, to pay fares on GO Transit, UP Express and participating 905 transit systems. Customers can also tap their phones or watches on Presto readers to pay through the credit card attached to their mobile wallets.

Metrolinx says it will soon be introducing an option of using PRESTO cards in smartphone wallets.

Officials also say TTC riders will be able to tap a credit or debit card to pay for fares on the Toronto transit system “later this summer.”