Headed back to class this fall? Before you go back to school, here’s what you need to know about GO service to post-secondary campuses, and how PRESTO can make it even easier and more affordable for youth and post-secondary students to take transit this fall. 

PRESTO 101 

PRESTO is more than just a transit card, it’s a passport for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Available as a physical card, or digital card in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, or a tap of your credit or debit card, PRESTO provides you with more choice than ever to pay your fare.  

You can get a digital PRESTO card through Google Wallet or Apple Wallet for free or purchase a physical PRESTO card for $4 at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations, Fare Vending Machines (located in all TTC subway stations), all Ticket Vending Machines (located in all GO Transit and UP Express stations) or a PRESTO customer service outlet. Click here for a list of locations. 

Once you have your PRESTO card, remember to set up an account and register your card to take advantage of benefits like balance protection and autoload. A lost, stolen, or damaged physical PRESTO card should be cancelled straight away by signing into your PRESTO account. This protects your balance and transit passes. Digital PRESTO cards can be recovered by signing in to the PRESTO app on a new device, removing the card from your old device and adding to the new device.  

Get to class with GO Transit 

Metrolinx is expanding its bus services to help students get to campus. Beginning Aug. 30, there will be more GO bus service to post-secondary institutions, including express options and new routes.  

Don’t forget, GO Wi-Fi Plus is available on all our buses and trains, so it is easier than ever for students to study or do work on their commute.   

Find out which colleges and universities we serve here.   

How to ride for less – set your fare type 

As a PRESTO cardholder, you may be eligible for youth or post-secondary student fare types. Full-time students between the age of 20 and 64 attending an approved post-secondary institution in Ontario are eligible for the post-secondary fare type. With this fare type you can get discounts on GO Transit and UP Express. To set up a post-secondary fare, apply online for a GO Transit Student ID. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available starting Aug. 30, 2025.   

With a youth fare type, regardless of school status, 13- to 19-year-olds can save 40 per cent on GO with PRESTO. Simply show a Canadian school-issued ID or government-issued photo ID at Union Station or a customer service outlet to set up the youth fare on a digital or physical PRESTO card.  

Only pay once when travelling across local transit 

With One Fare, PRESTO is your key to getting a discounted fare when travelling across participating local transit agencies. Riders only pay once when transferring between TTC and GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit, and paying with a PRESTO, credit or debit card.  

For the One Fare discount to take effect, remember to tap on each time you travel on a participating transit agency and tap on and off when travelling on GO transit. Your transfers will be valid for two hours if you started your trip on local transit and within three hours of the start of your trip on GO Transit.  

If you are consistently travelling between a GO Station and school, save yourself time by downloading the PRESTO App and setting up a default trip.  

Get discounts with PRESTO Perks 

PRESTO cardholders have access to a number of discounts on entertainment, attractions, sports, dining and more through PRESTO Perks.  

That means you can save on admission to iconic attractions including the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Toronto Zoo, Royal Botanical Garden, and Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Looking for something new? Catch a comedy show at the Comedy Bar for half price or cheer on Forge FC with 33 per cent off regular season home game tickets.  

New perks are being added all the time! Visit prestocard.ca/perks for the most up-to-date deals.  

Metrolinx YOUth 

Metrolinx supports youth by providing access to reliable and affordable transit options, while engaging with young people across the region through community presentations, event pop-ups and more! Since the start of 2025, Metrolinx has welcomed 100 young people into early talent programs, kick-starting careers that will help shape the future of transit. 

Learn more about how Metrolinx is promoting the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow on the Metrolinx YOUth web page. 

Originally published: August 2023 

Last updated: August 2025