Transit Assistance Program

Home/Fares and Passes/Fare Programs/Transit Assistance Program

Transit Assistance Program Pilot

York Region is piloting the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) to help make transit more affordable for eligible residents.

Eligible residents can purchase a TAP pass for half the cost of a YRT Adult monthly pass. The TAP pass is valid for unlimited travel on YRT services for the calendar month.

Who can apply:

York Region residents between the ages of 18 to 64 years old
Currently not receiving transit assistance through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Programs
Agree to take part in surveys to evaluate the pilot
Have income at or below the limits listed below:

Family Size	Income Limit
1 person	$29,672
2 persons	$41,964
3 persons	$51,394
4 persons	$59,345
5 persons	$66,349
6 persons	$72,682
7 persons	$78,506

Source: Statistics Canada Low Income Measure, Before Tax + 15%, 2016

When to apply:

New applications are now being accepted by telephone. There are a limited number of passes available.

The pilot program will run until December 2019.

Current Participants: Please note that if you are currently participating in the 2018 pilot program, you must re-apply to continue participating until December 2019. Information on how to re-apply will be sent to you at the email address you provided upon initial registration.

For questions on how to re-apply, please contact Access York.

How to apply:

Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 (Open Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

TTY: 1-866-512-6228 or 905-895-4293 (for the deaf, deafened or hard-of-hearing)

Applicants 18 to 64 years old must apply on their own. Couples residing together must apply as
a family. Couples or single persons who are the parent or guardian of children under the age of
18 years old would apply as a family.

Access York Logo

Please have the following documents ready when you call:

2017 Notice of Assessment (NOA)
Your most recent Canada Child Benefit Statement (CCB) (if you have children under the age of 18 living with you)
Proof of current York Region residence (e.g. utility bill, drivers licence)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the TAP pass cost?

From July 2018 to June 2019, the pass will cost $75.00 per month
From July 2019 to December 2019, the pass will cost $77.00 per month

How does the TAP pass work?

The TAP pass works like a YRT monthly pass. It is valid for unlimited travel on YRT and Mobility Plus services for the calendar month.

The TAP pass will be loaded onto a PRESTO card.

Can I use my TAP pass on TTC buses in York Region?

No. Since the TAP pass is loaded onto a PRESTO card, customers will not be able to use it on TTC bus routes in York Region.

Can I add money to my e-purse or other fare products on my TAP PRESTO card?

No. Your TAP PRESTO card is to be used for unlimited travel on YRT (for the calendar month) only. Please do not add money to your TAP PRESTO card e-purse or any additional fare products (YRT and/or TTC).

Your TAP pass has been programed with a TAP concession to purchase a TAP monthly pass. Adding money or other fare products to your card may result in your TAP concession being removed. For example, using a self-service machine at TTC or GO Transit will change your PRESTO card concession from a TAP fare to regular-priced Adult fare.

I am a senior. Can I apply for TAP?

Seniors are not eligible for the TAP pilot as YRT fare rates for seniors are lower than the cost of the TAP pass. See our fare chart for senior rates.

I am a Mobility Plus customer. Can I apply for TAP?

Yes. YRT Mobility Plus customers may also apply for TAP.

If I currently receive money or vouchers through Social Services to purchase transit passes, am I eligible for TAP?

No. You would not be eligible for TAP.

What do I do if I do not have a notice of assessment (NOA)?

A NOA is required with all applications with the exception of the following:

You have an indigenous status and are working on the Georgina Island reserve. In this case, a letter from the Chippewas of Georgina Island Band Office is required
You are a refugee. In this case, proof of immigration status is required

How will I know that I have been accepted in the TAP pilot?

You will receive an acceptance letter and PRESTO card (loaded with the TAP concession) in the mail, approximately six to eight weeks after applying.

If you do not receive a package in the mail by this time, you may not be eligible or are on the waitlist. Please call Access York to inquire about the status of your application.

Should I register my PRESTO card?

Yes. We recommend that you register your PRESTO card. To do this, visit prestocard.ca

PRESTO card registration provides security for lost or stolen cards, access to your card balance and transaction history, and the ability to set up automatic reloads.

How do I reload my card every month?

You can reload your PRESTO card online at prestocard.ca or at a YRT PRESTO fare agent.

What do I do if I lose my PRESTO card?

Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675. They will arrange to have a new card sent to you.