Navigating Toronto as a university student can be both exciting and expensive, especially when it comes to transportation. However, the good news is that there are several student-friendly public transport deals available that can help you save money. In this guide, we’ll explore the various transportation options for students in Toronto, including discounts on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) passes, GO Transit, and more. Whether you’re commuting to campus, visiting friends, or exploring the city, these deals can make getting around much more affordable.

1. TTC Student Pass

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city, offering extensive subway, bus, and streetcar networks. One of the best transportation benefits for university students in Toronto is the discounted TTC student pass.

• Eligibility: The TTC offers a reduced fare to full-time university and college students who are 20 years of age or older, as long as they can show a valid student ID or proof of enrollment.
• Discounts: The student fare provides a significant reduction compared to the regular adult fare. This can save students a lot of money, especially for those who rely on public transport daily.
• How to Apply: To take advantage of the student pass, students must apply through their university or college, and it’s typically tied to your student card or a separate transit card. Once approved, you can purchase the discounted monthly or weekly passes.

This option is perfect for students who use public transit regularly, as it allows for unlimited travel within the TTC system.

2. TTC Metropass for Students

In addition to the standard student fare, full-time students can purchase a TTC Metropass at a discounted rate. The Metropass allows students unlimited travel on all TTC services, including subways, buses, and streetcars, for the duration of a month.

• Cost-Effective: The Metropass is an excellent option if you use public transport frequently. With the student discount, the cost is substantially lower than regular Metropass pricing. If you travel more than a few times a week, this pass can be a cost-effective solution.
• Convenience: The Metropass is rechargeable and offers unlimited travel within the validity period, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing individual tickets every time you ride.

This option is ideal for students who need to travel around the city without the hassle of carrying cash or dealing with token-based systems.

3. GO Transit Discounts for Students

If you commute from outside Toronto, you can take advantage of discounted fares on GO Transit, the regional train and bus service that connects Toronto with surrounding suburbs and cities.

• Discounted Fares: Full-time students can enjoy a 10% discount on GO Transit fares when they show their valid student ID. This discount is available on all GO Transit services, including trains, buses, and even the GO Bus and Train combination routes.
• Student Fares on Presto Cards: GO Transit uses the Presto card for fare payment, and students can load their Presto card with discounted fares, making it easy to tap on and off when using the service.

This discount is especially helpful for students who live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and need to travel into the city for school or part-time jobs.

4. Presto Card for Students

For students traveling on the TTC or GO Transit, the Presto card is an essential tool to save money and streamline your travel experience. The Presto card is a smartcard that can be used on most public transit systems in the Greater Toronto Area, including the TTC, GO Transit, and even other regional transit systems like York Region Transit (YRT) and MiWay (Mississauga).

• Convenience: Simply load your Presto card with funds and tap it on card readers to pay for your trips. It can be used for both TTC and GO Transit services, and even some other regional transit services in the GTA.
• Automatic Student Discount: Once your Presto card is registered as a student card, you’ll receive automatic student discounts for both TTC and GO Transit. This saves you the hassle of purchasing tickets or passes each time you travel.
• Bonus: The Presto card offers the added benefit of reduced fares for senior citizens, youth, and eligible persons with disabilities, making it a versatile option for many people in the community.

Using the Presto card for student transportation makes commuting easier and more affordable, ensuring that you can get to class without worrying about carrying change.

5. Other Student Transportation Benefits in Toronto

Apart from the main transit options like TTC and GO Transit, there are other transportation perks and options available for students in Toronto:

• Cycling and Bike Share: Toronto has an extensive network of bike lanes, and students can enjoy discounted bike-sharing memberships through Bike Share Toronto. With a student ID, you can enjoy affordable bike rentals and access to over 200 stations across the city. This is a great option if you prefer cycling over public transportation or if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and inexpensive way to get around.
• TTC Discounts for International Students: International students in Toronto also enjoy the benefits of discounted transit fares, provided they show a valid student ID from a recognized Canadian institution.
• Toronto Parking Permit: For students who choose to drive, there are discounted parking permits available at some universities. Some schools offer discounted parking rates for students who commute by car, although this is typically less common than public transit deals.

6. Student-Friendly Ride-sharing Options

In addition to public transit, several ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts in Toronto. Check for promotions or specific student offers on ride-sharing apps, as discounts may vary based on location, time of day, or promotions running at the time.

• Uber: Occasionally offers promo codes specifically for students, giving them discounts on rides.
• Lyft: Offers similar discounts to students, especially for rides in the Toronto area. Keep an eye out for special offers on your Lyft account.

While these services are more expensive than public transport, they may be a good option for students traveling in groups or heading to areas not served by transit.

Public transportation in Toronto is an essential part of student life, and fortunately, there are several discounted options available to help you get around the city without breaking the bank. Whether you’re using the TTC’s student pass, the Presto card, or taking advantage of GO Transit’s discounts, Toronto offers a range of transportation benefits that make commuting more affordable for university students. Don’t forget to check for bike-share programs or ride-sharing promotions as well, which can provide extra savings. By making the most of these transportation deals, students in Toronto can save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy easy access to all that the city has to offer.