PRESS RELEASE - Changes to Co-Fare Rules Between Guelph Transit and Metrolinx

Integrating transit options to make it easier to get around car-less has been one of the goals in relieving congestion in recent years, and for Go Tranist users that's involved being able to get discounts on other local transit systems with their GO tickets or Presto Cards. Called co-fare programs, Guelph Transit is one of many systems that participates along with Toronto's TTC and York Region's VIVA. But Guelph commuters be advised, there are some changes come to co-fares on Royal City buses.

Here's the press release from the City of Guelph: 

Guelph, ON, March 31, 2015 – Starting April 13 Guelph Transit, in partnership with Metrolinx, will update its co-fare program to help reduce the chance for fare evasion.

Effective April 13, GO Transit riders will be able to take advantage of the $0.60 co-fare when they board a Guelph Transit bus and present one of the following:

• A valid single-ride GO Transit ticket when connecting from a GO Train or GO Bus at Guelph Central Station on any service day. Transfers will be issued for the Guelph Transit system upon request.
• A valid GO Transit day-pass when connecting to or from a GO Train or GO Bus at Guelph Central Station on any service day. Transfers will be issued for the Guelph Transit system upon request.
• A PRESTO card between 5:45 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. and between 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on buses scheduled to arrive at or depart Guelph Central Station during regular weekday service. Transfers will not be issued if passengers are required to take more than one Guelph Transit bus to reach Guelph Central Station; these passengers will be required to pay the co-fare at each boarding.

Riders will no longer be able to use the PRESTO card to receive the co-fare rate on Guelph Transit outside of the specified hours.

“Guelph Transit is aware that this change to the co-fare program will impact those GO Transit riders who use PRESTO cards outside of the specified time frames, and we apologize for this inconvenience,” said Phil Meagher, general manager of Guelph Transit. “Guelph Transit is taking this step to better ensure the co-fare program works the way it was intended so only those who are eligible will fairly receive the discount.”

Over the past year, fraudulent use of the co-fare program increased significantly. As a result, Guelph Transit and Metrolinx are clarifying the rules for the program.

The co-fare program between Guelph Transit and Metrolinx was introduced in January 2012 to encourage GO Transit riders to use Guelph Transit to connect with GO Train and Bus service at Guelph Central Station.

“Guelph Transit is committed to multi-modal transportation and hopes GO Transit passengers will continue to use Guelph Transit to connect with GO Transit at Guelph Central Station,” says Derrick Thomson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Services.

Guelph Transit riders who connect with GO Transit using a PRESTO card, but travel outside of the program hours, are encouraged to purchase a monthly Guelph Transit pass or daily tickets.