TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission is considering phasing out monthly passes in favour of a fare capping system that would give riders free trips after reaching a set number of rides each month.
The proposal, outlined in the TTC’s 2026–2028 Ridership Growth Strategy, aims to make transit more affordable and flexible while encouraging more people to ride. Under fare capping, riders would no longer need to pay the $156 upfront cost of an adult monthly pass. Instead, once they hit the cap, additional rides for the rest of the month would be free.
Staff are weighing three options: a cap at 47 rides (costing the TTC an estimated $10 million in revenue but adding 3.6 million rides), 44 rides (a $19 million loss, 7 million more rides), or 40 rides (a $35 million loss, 16 million more rides).
“Fare capping provides customers the same price certainty as a monthly pass without the upfront barrier,” the report states, adding that riders would “always receive the best price.”
The plan also calls for expanded service and improved reliability to adapt to hybrid work patterns. The TTC board’s Strategic Planning Committee will review the recommendation on September 4.