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Presto Card –  Toronto Transit Card

The one card to pay for fares on TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) buses, streetcars, and subway trains, GO Transit and UP Express services. Using the Ontario PRESTO Card is a convenient way to travel in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The PRESTO card is a contactless smart card that allows you to pay for your trips seamlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the PRESTO 

PRESTO (pay-as-you-go) 


toronto transit
toronto subway; toronto transit

How to use Presto Card? 

Step 1: Obtain a PRESTO Card

  • If you don’t have a PRESTO card, you can purchase one at a PRESTO customer service location, GO Train station, or authorized retail outlet. To find the nearest location, you can use the PRESTO Retail Locator: PRESTO Retail Locator.

Step 2: Load Money onto the Card

  • Once you have your PRESTO card, you’ll need to load funds onto it. You can add money to your card online, at a PRESTO customer service location, or at a self-serve reload machine at most GO Train stations.

Step 3: Activate and Register Your Card (Optional)

  • Although it’s not mandatory to register your card, doing so offers benefits such as balance protection in case your card is lost or stolen. You can activate and register your PRESTO card on the official website: PRESTO Card Activation.

Step 4: Tap On at the Station

  • Before boarding the GO Train, make sure you have sufficient funds loaded on your PRESTO card. At the GO Train station, locate the PRESTO card reader near the fare gates.
  • Hold your PRESTO card against the card reader, and you’ll hear a chime and see a green light, indicating a successful tap-on. The fare will be deducted from your card balance, and you’re now ready to board the train.

Step 5: Board the GO Train

  • Check the schedule for the next train departure from the station platform.
  • Wait for the train to arrive and board through the designated doors. Remember to have your PRESTO card ready for inspection.

Step 6: Tap Off at Your Destination

  • When you arrive at your destination station, locate the PRESTO card reader near the fare gates again.
  • Tap your PRESTO card on the reader to complete your trip. The fare for your journey will be calculated based on the distance traveled, and the appropriate amount will be deducted from your card balance.

Additional Tips:

  • Make sure to check the GO Train schedule and plan your journey in advance to avoid any delays or missed trains : Routes And Schedules
  • If you’re a frequent traveler, you may consider purchasing a GO Transit monthly pass or using the PRESTO card’s Autoload feature to automatically reload your card when the balance is low.
  • To manage your PRESTO card, check transaction history, and perform other functions, create an online account on the official website: PRESTO Online Account.

For further assistance, you can refer to the official PRESTO website: PRESTO Official Website.

Did you enjoy this article? See Our blogpage for more tips that save your time & money to live in Toronto.

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