New to PRESTO
Are you new to PRESTO? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Check out our list of frequently asked questions to get the answers you need to start using PRESTO!
PRESTO is a transit payment system used across the GTHA and OttawaIt allows you to pay transit fares using several different payment options, including:
- A physical PRESTO card
- PRESTO card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
- Contactless debit or credit cards
- PRESTO E-Tickets and TTC tickets on select transit agencies
You can use PRESTO on 11 participating transit agencies in Ontario, including:
- Brampton Transit
- Burlington Transit
- Durham Region Transit (DRT)
- GO Transit
- Hamilton Street Railway (HSR)
- MiWay (Mississauga Transit)
- Oakville Transit
- OC Transpo (PRESTO in Mobile Wallet not accepted)
- Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
- UP Express
- York Region Transit (YRT/VIVA)
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A physical PRESTO card is a reloadable plastic card.
A digital PRESTO card lives in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and lets you tap with your phone or smartwatch.
You can:
- Use a physical and digital card separately
- Convert a physical card into a digital card
- Get a new digital card for free
Once a physical card is converted to digital, the physical card will no longer work
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To buy a PRESTO card:
- Buy a physical PRESTO card online, at fare vending machines in transit stations, and at participating retailersVisit the Customer Service Outlets page for authorized locationsThe physical PRESTO card costs $4 and is non-refundable
- Android users can get a PRESTO card in Google Wallet through the PRESTO app or Google Wallet appThere is no cost to get a digital PRESTO card.
- iPhone users can get a PRESTO card in Apple Wallet through the PRESTO app or Apple Wallet appThere is no cost to get a digital PRESTO card.
To load a PRESTO card:
- Load funds instantly online using the PRESTO app or website) or set up Autoload for automatic top ups
- Load funds instantly in person at a Customer Service Outlet, participating retailers or at fare vending machines in transit stations.
Important: The safety and security of our system is a top priority Only buy PRESTO cards from authorized PRESTO sources listed above.
If you encounter an unauthorized retailer selling PRESTO products, you should report suspected fraud to your local police and notify the PRESTO Contact CentreThe more information we can collect on the matter will help in stopping it before more customers are affected.
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YesRegistering your PRESTO card protects your balance if your card is lost or damaged.
Registration also allows you to:
- View transaction history
- Set up Autoload or Autorenew
- Manage fare types and GO Default Trips
- Lock or unlock your card
- Transfer balances between cards
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To use PRESTO, simply tap your card, phone, or watch on a PRESTO device whenever you board transit, enter a station, or enter an LRT platformAlways remember to tap every time you transferOn GO Transit, you must tap off unless you have a GO Default Trip set.
A successful tap will display a confirmation on the PRESTO reader screen and may also show your fare and balanceIf your tap is not accepted, the device will indicate that the tap was unsuccessfulPRESTO uses your tap to calculate the correct fare and apply transfer rules.
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A transfer window is the amount of time after you pay your fare during which you can transfer between participating transit agencies without paying an additional fareYour transfer window begins when you first tap.
Most local transit agencies (except GO Transit and UP Express) offer a 2 hour transfer window, while GO Transit offers a 3 hour travel window.
PRESTO automatically applies eligible free or discounted transfers when you tap within your transfer windowIf you tap again after your transfer window expires, a new fare will be charged.
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A fare type is a discounted fare category that can be set on your PRESTO card, allowing eligible customers to take advantage of reduced transit fares.
Fare types include:
- Adult (ages 20–64) – Default fare type
- Child (ages 6-12) - Discounted or free fares for children, depending on the transit agency; expires* when the child turns 13
- Youth (ages 13–19)
- Senior (ages 65+)
- Post-Secondary Student (ages 20–64, full-time students) – Available on participating transit agencies
Most discounted fare types require proof of eligibility and must be set up in person at a Customer Service Outlet before the discount can be appliedBe sure to carry proof of eligibility when travelling.
Some municipalities and transit agencies also offer additional Transit Affordability ProgramsContact your local transit agency for more information.
PRESTO Contactless debit and credit cards are always charged the adult fare.
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If your card is registered, you can:
- Cancel the lost card to protect your balance and passes
- Transfer your balance to a replacement card
Digital PRESTO cards can be recovered by signing into your PRESTO account on a new device.
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NoPunching a hole in your PRESTO card will damage the card's antenna and chip, making it unusablePRESTO and our Transit Agency partners are not responsible for any damaged cards.
If your physical card is damaged, you will be responsible for buying a replacement card for the cost of $4.
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