TAP: Transit Assistance Program

Current 2024 TAP participants need to reapply to the TAP program for 2025New participants that are accepted into the program on or after November 4, 2024, will remain in the program until December 2025. Please note that there are changes to the Canada-Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel participant requirements for 2025.

Canada Post Labour DisruptionDue to a national service disruption at Canada Post, all incoming and outgoing mail to York Regional buildings will be affected until further notice. For applicants that already have a PRESTO card we can remotely push the TAP concessions. For new participants, there may be a delay in receiving your PRESTO card. 

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

Eligible TAP participants can receive a 50% discount on regular Adult single ride York Region Transit (YRT) fare using a PRESTO card. After 40 trips, rides are free for unlimited travel for the remainder of the calendar month.

 

 

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Who can apply:

• York Region residents between the ages of 18 to 64 years old
• Ukrainian arrivals in York Region with the Canada-Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)
• First Nations Person with status and working on Georgina Island First Nation
• Those with an Indigenous status and working on the Georgina Island Reserve
• Refugees (proof of immigration status is required)
• Currently not receiving ongoing/long-term transit assistance through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (e.g. Transit Discount Program)
• Agree to take part in surveys to evaluate the program
• Have income at or below the limits listed below:

Family Size	Income Limit
1 person	$38,321
2 persons	$54,195
3 persons	$66,375
4 persons	$76,643
5 persons	$85,689
6 persons	$93,868
7 persons	$101,389
8 persons	$108,390
9 persons	$114,964
10 persons	$121,184

_{Source: Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0232-01  Low income measure (LIM) thresholds by income source and household size, 2022 Low Income Measure +15%} 

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When to apply:

Applications for 2025 are now being accepted by telephone. There are a limited number of spots available.

The program will run until December 31, 2025.

Current Participants: If you would like to remain in the 2025 program, please contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75581. You may be required to provide proof of eligibility which includes a 2023 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 2025 program your current PRESTO card will be automatically set up to receive the discount.

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How to apply:

Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75581* (Open Monday to Friday 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. 

*If you require an accessible format, please email accessyork@york.ca

Translation services are available upon request.

Please have the following documents ready when you call: 

• 2023 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, driver's license)

• For Ukrainian arrivals:

  • If you have been in Canada for less than one year, only CUAET documentation is required

  • If you have lived in Canada for more than one year, a 2023 NOA and/or Canada Child Benefit Statement and proof of being a York Region resident are required

• For an Indigenous Person with status and working on Georgina Island First Nation: A letter from the Georgina Island Band Office can be provided
• For refugees: Proof of immigration status is required

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How it works:

Participants will receive 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; this will reset at the start of the next month.

TAP PRESTO cards may also be shared with other members in your household, but cannot be used while travelling at the same time.

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Current participants:

If you would like to remain in the 2025 Transit Assistance Program (TAP), please contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75581. You may be required to provide proof of eligibility which includes a 2023 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.

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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. YRT transfers using your TAP PRESTO card are also accepted on TTC (in Toronto), Durham Region Transit, Brampton Transit, Mississauga Transit, Oakville Transit, Burlington Transit and Hamilton Street Railway within two hours of travel. However, you will be charged full adult fare on your return trip.

Can I change the concession (fare type) on the PRESTO card?

Do NOT change the concession (i.e. fare type) on the PRESTO card. If you do this, it will override the TAP concession and you will not receive the TAP discount when you travel.

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 single 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 program, you use a separate PRESTO card for travelling on other transit systems.

Can I share my TAP PRESTO card with my family members?

TAP PRESTO cards may be shared with other members in your household, but cannot be used while travelling at the same time.

I am a senior. Can I apply for TAP?

Seniors (ages 65 or older) are not currently eligible for TAP; however, YRT offers 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: 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 You are a York Region resident with CUAET status and are within your first year of living in Canada. In this case, only proof of CUAET status is required

How will I know that I have been accepted into TAP?

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 money onto my card?

You can load your card online on 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. Simply follow the usual steps when reloading your card online or in person, as the card will already be set up with the TAP concession (i.e. no need to select or ask for "TAP" fare).

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.

Can I upload my TAP PRESTO card to mobile wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet)?

It is recommended that TAP customers do NOT convert their PRESTO card to mobile wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet). Once converted to mobile wallet, the physical card is cancelled and therefore cannot be shared with others.

What do I do if I lose my PRESTO card?

Call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75581. 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 PRESTO card is registered you will be able to transfer your funds onto the new card. Register your card on the PRESTO website.