Getting Started with YRT
If you're taking transit for the first time, we're here to help. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from planning your trip and paying your fare to boarding the bus and reaching your destination.
Step 1: Plan Your Trip Before you Travel
YRT provides local and rapid transit services in all nine York Region municipalities, as well as connecting services in the City of Toronto and the Regions of Peel and Durham.
- Visit the YRT Trip Planner to find your route and schedule
- Enter your starting location and destination
- Select the clock icon and enter your date and time of travel
- Available trip options will display on the screen
- You can view details such as routes, walking distance, stop numbers and transfers
Check the Service Advisories page for detours before you travel. Arrive at your stop at least five minutes before the scheduled departure time. Real-time departure estimates may change due to traffic, weather or other road conditions.
Contact us at 1-866-668-3978 if you need help planning your trip.
Step 2: Know Your Fare
- One YRT fare gives you unlimited travel on YRT for two hours
- Discounts are available for all customers by using PRESTO
Step 3: Pay Your Fare
You can pay your YRT fare using:
- PRESTO card
- PRESTO in Mobile Wallet
- PRESTO E-Tickets
- Credit or debit card
- Exact cash
For more information, current fare prices and payment options visit Paying Your Fare.
| Paying on a YRT bus |
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| Paying on a Viva bus |
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Viva uses a proof-of-payment system. You must pay before boarding.
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Step 4: Find Your Stop and Board the Bus
Finding Your Stop
- Bus stops are marked by blue and white YRT bus stop signs
- Each stop has a unique four-digit bus stop number. You can view these stop numbers on the YRT Trip Planner
Boarding the Bus
- As the bus approaches, check the route number and destination displayed above the windshield or on the side of the vehicle to make sure you are boarding the right bus
- Tap or pay your fare as you board (for YRT) or before boarding (Viva)
During Your Trip
- Buses provide visual and audio announcements for upcoming stops
- When approaching your destination, press the stop button or pull the yellow cord to request the next stop
Step 5: Transfers and Connections
| Transfer for Free Between YRT and TTC |
You can transfer for free between YRT and TTC when you pay with:
You must use the same payment card to receive the free transfer. Transfers are valid for two hours of travel. For more information visit One Fare Program. |
| Ride YRT for Free with GO Transit |
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You can travel on YRT for free when transferring to or from GO Transit when you pay with:
Use the same payment card to receive a free transfer on YRT. If your trip starts on YRT, transfers must occur within two hours of your first tap. If your trip starts on GO Transit, transfers must occur within three hours of your first tap. For more information visit Ride to GO. |
| Transferring Between Other Transit Systems |
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Valid transfers are accepted on YRT from the following transit agencies:
For more information visit Fare Policies. |
Step 6: Explore our Services
| Viva Rapid Transit Service |
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Viva is YRT’s rapid transit service. Viva travels along major roads in York Region, such as Highway 7 and Yonge Street, with stops at major intersections and terminals. Each stop, called a "vivastation,” has a ticket vending machine so you can pay your fare before you board the bus. Fares are on a proof-of-payment system to speed up boarding times, so be sure to always have proof of your paid fare ready for inspection. |
| YRT Local Service |
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Local YRT routes (i.e. any of the numbered routes) service the stops in between the vivastations and provide access to local neighbourhoods. These routes make frequent, curbside stops that typically connect with the rapid transit system. |
| On-Request Service |
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On-Request service is a ride-sharing service where you can request transit when you need it within select service areas and times. How it works:
For more information visit On-Request. |
| Mobility On-Request Paratransit Service |
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Mobility On-Request Paratransit service is York Region's door-to-door, shared ride, accessible public transit service for people with disabilities. For more information visit Mobility On-Request Paratransit. |
Helpful Travel Tips
| Request Stop After 9 p.m. |
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If you ride YRT after 9 p.m., you can get off the bus between stops, closer to your destination. Please advise the driver at least one stop ahead. In order to meet your request, your driver must be able to stop safely. Request stop is not available on Viva. |
| Accessibility |
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All YRT vehicles are accessible and include:
For more information visit Accessibility and Accommodation. |
| Travelling With Bicycles and Scooters |
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YRT makes it easy for you to commute with your bike and take the bus to get to your destination. You pay your regular fare but your bike rides for free. For more information visit Travelling with Bicycles and Scooters. |
| Lost and Found |
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All articles found on YRT property are held in lost and found. If you’ve lost an item while travelling on YRT, visit Lost and Found. |
| Next Bus Information |
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There are several convenient ways to get next bus arrival information:
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New Rider Videos
Are you new to public transit? These videos provide helpful tips for planning your trip, paying your fare and riding safely.
| For Students |
This presentation covers:
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| How to Ride YRT |
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Learn how to:
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Contact Us:
Phone: 1-866-668-3978
TTY: 711
Email: transitinfo@york.ca
Online: Live Chat
Contact Centre Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Statutory Holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Service updates and automated fare, schedule and real-time information are available by phone 24-7. Press "5" to speak with a Customer Experience Associate in our Contact Centre.
Translation services are available upon request.