Starting on February 1st, Metropass holders will be able to purchase GO sticker for $60 that will permit these transit users to travel back and forth between Exhibition and Union Station, or Danforth and Union Station. Metrolinx estimates that the integrated fare could save commuters 15 minutes or more when travelling between TTC’s Main Station and Union Station.
Metrolinx has posted a media release on the joint fare. The Toronto Star’s Tess Kalinowski discusses the benefits of the plan and some of the details. The Globe and Mail’s Oliver Moore notes that the plan is facing criticism for not including other GO stations within City of Toronto.
One of the key objectives of the fare integration plan is to reduce crowding on the Bloor-Danforth subway line and the King streetcar. This raises questions as to why South Etobicoke GO stations were not included in the plan. An integrated fare would reduce the prohibitively high cost of commuting daily via both TTC and GO and would presumably be of great benefit to South Etobicoke residents. Fare integration could also reduce the number of Ward 6 residents travelling downtown on the 501 and 504 streetcar, or the Bloor Subway via bus, and thereby benefit other TTC system users.
If you would like to see the joint fare pilot project extended to include Long Branch and Mimico GO stations, consider contacting your local city councillor, MPP, the TTC, and Metrolinx to let them know.