TAP: Transit Assistance Program
Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request by contacting 1-866-668-3978.
Half price rides using PRESTO Starting January 1, 2022, TAP participants will be eligible for half price rides using a PRESTO card. After 40 trips, rides will be free for unlimited travel for the remainder of the calendar month.
York Region is piloting the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) to help make transit more affordable for eligible residents.
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 Program
- 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 | $33,156 |
| 2 persons | $46,889 |
| 3 persons | $57,428 |
| 4 persons | $66,311 |
| 5 persons | $74,138 |
| 6 persons | $81,214 |
| 7 persons | $87,722 |
Source: Statistics Canada Low Income Measure, Before Tax + 15%, 2019
When to apply:
New applications are now being accepted by telephone. There are a limited number of spots available.
The pilot program will run until December 2022.
How to apply:
Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or TTY: 1-866-512-6228 (Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
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.
Please have the following documents ready when you call:
- 2020 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 license)
How it works:
The half price discount will now be applied to individual trips, versus the monthly pass. Participants will be eligible for a 50% discount on regular Adult single ride PRESTO fare. This includes a two-hour transfer window.
After 40 trips your rides will be free for unlimited travel for the remainder of the calendar month. Trip usage is updated by calendar month.
Current participants:
If you would like to remain in the 2022 TAP pilot, please contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or TTY: 1-866-512-6228. You may be required to provide proof of eligibility which includes a 2020 Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA). You will also be asked to confirm your 17-digit PRESTO card number located on the back of your card.
A new card will not be mailed out. Upon confirmation into the 2022 program your current PRESTO card will be automatically set up to receive the discount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my TAP PRESTO card on TTC buses in York Region? |
| Yes. You can use your TAP PRESTO card on TTC buses operating in York Region. Your two-hour transfer will be applied when transferring onto TTC, Brampton and Durham Region Transit services within York Region. You will be charged full adult fare if you travel on other transit systems outside of York Region |
Can I add other fare products on my TAP PRESTO card, such as a TTC monthly pass? |
| No. Your TAP PRESTO card is to be used for travel in York Region using singe ride fare (e-purse) only. Please do not add any additional fare products (YRT and/or TTC). It is recommended that for the purposes of the pilot, you use a separate PRESTO card for travelling on other transit systems. |
I am a senior. Can I apply for TAP? |
| Seniors are not currently eligible for TAP; however, YRT does offer discounted fares for seniors. See our Fare Chart for senior rates. |
I am a Mobility On-Request Paratransit customer. Can I apply for TAP? |
| Yes. Paratransit customers may also apply for TAP. |
If I am currently in the transit discount program through Ontario Works, 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:
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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 the PRESTO website. 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? |
| You can load your card online at the PRESTO website, through the PRESTO mobile app or at any Shoppers Drug Mart location in York Region. Visit our Where to Buy page for a complete list of locations. |
Do I need to maintain a minimum balance on my card in order to remain in the program? |
| No. You can load any dollar amount on your card at any time. |
What do I do if I lose my PRESTO card? |
| Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or TTY: 1-866-512-6228. They will arrange to have a new card sent to you. Do not call PRESTO. If you lose your TAP PRESTO card, your ride count will not be transferred onto a new card. If your card is registered you will be able to transfer your funds onto the new card. Register your PRESTO card on the PRESTO website. |