Ontario Launches Debit Payment on PRESTO Devices for Transit Riders

The Ontario government has made transit easier and more convenient by launching debit payment options on PRESTO devices for riders. PRESTO is an electronic payment system that eliminates the need for tickets, tokens, passes and cash or riders can download the App via their smartphone or tablet.

Starting today, riders on several transit systems, including GO Transit, UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, MiWay in Mississauga, Oakville Transit, and York Region Transit, can tap a debit card on a PRESTO device, including debit cards on a smartphone or smartwatch, to pay their fares.

According to Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation, the latest milestone for the PRESTO system gives transit riders another convenient payment option for travelling to work, school, leisure, and other activities. He adds that the new payment option is part of the government’s efforts to simplify the transit experience for Ontarians.

The new debit payment option comes as PRESTO reports over a million card taps on its devices since launching credit card payments in August 2022. Transit riders can also use the debit payment option on paratransit services in several areas, including Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton, York Region, Oakville, and Ottawa.

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, says that launching debit payments on PRESTO devices is another way the government makes transit more convenient and accessible for Ontarians. Increasing transit payment options gives more people more options to access public transit in ways that work for them.

The Ontario government is also working with the Toronto Transit Commission to introduce credit and debit payment options for Toronto transit riders this summer. William Keliehor, Chief Commercial Officer of Interac Corp, commends the expansion of Interac Debit to more transit authorities in the PRESTO network, which provides transit riders with a quick and convenient option to pay for a ride directly from their banking account. He adds that Interac is proud to support the needs of transit riders in Ontario.

Many other cities in Canada have been requesting buses to accept Interac for over a decade, but transit systems have failed to adapt to the changing environment and need for a cashless society. Launching debit payment options on PRESTO devices in Ontario is a significant step towards meeting transit riders’ needs and providing them with more convenient payment options.