Canada Crossroads Commuting Tourism with Presto
Canada Crossroads
Commuting Tourism with Presto
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
I am about to make every person in Ohio jealous.
Working commuter and passenger rail in Ontario via the Presto card.
I will be covering mostly Metro Toronto and Niagara Falls traveling.
The system is extremely easy if you are visiting Ontario; especially if you wish to visit Toronto.
Staying either in Niagara Falls or Toronto just got easier with weekday trains operated by Go Transit.
https://www.gotransit.com/en/partners-and-promotions/go-trains-to-niagara-falls-7-days-a-week
While there are connections via Go’s Bus and Train service; you can select direct link trains throughout the day with your Presto card. See the website for details.
If staying near Toronto’s Pearson Airport, there is an even more direct route to Union Station.
The Union Pearson Express, or the UP for short, runs trains as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 11:30p.
Your accommodations should have regular shuttle service to Pearson’s Terminal One; where both Go Transit and the UP have stations. No parking downtown, no fighting off traffic. No hassles period.
Now, what about when you are in Toronto Proper?
The Toronto Transit Commision, GO Transit and the UP are all administered by MetroLinx; a multi governing agency that issues the Presto card.
Hence why it is important to use your Presto card wisely.
Select stations or dispensing kiosks will get you a card for $6. If you are traveling any longer than 2 days; I would recommend preloading your card with $20-$50 dollars.
Per the Presto Card website
Select Ticket Vending Machines (TVM’s) have been upgraded to sell PRESTO cards at some busier locations, while others have been upgraded to make it easier for you to do other PRESTO card functions. You can buy a PRESTO card at select GO Transit and UP Express ticket counters, online, and at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
https://www.prestocard.ca/en/find-an-outlet/ticket-vending-machines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfenaRT6cxk
The Presto discounted fare one way from Union Station to Pearson Airport (and vice versa) is $9.75. The plain paper ticket one way is $12.75. Already with a Presto card, you got your $6 back.
Once on; tap on before boarding the Union Pearson Express. Once coming off the train; tap off at the Presto kiosk departing the UP Terminal.
Now as for traveling on the GO Train or Bus, and the TTC forms of transport (bus, tram, or subway)
The Go Train and the TTC Subway are the same as the UP. The Go Bus and TTC Bus would one need you to tap on once entering your form of transport.
Now the basics are covered, it is your time to explore.
Get out there; life is an adventure.
