Some residents can ride Oakville Transit for free starting next month

If you’re a youth or senior who regularly uses Oakville Transit to make your way around the town, you can ride for free next month.

Starting May 1, Oakville Transit will launch a new program allowing riders between the ages of 13 and 19 and those 65 and older to ride free. 

Children 12 and under will continue to be able to ride for free. 

To ride without paying a fare, commuters must have a PRESTO card and tap it when boarding the bus.

Customers who do not have a PRESTO card will still be required to pay $4 with cash (exact change only) or a credit card.

Those who do not have a PRESTO card can purchase one for $6 at the ServiceOakville counter at Town Hall, Oakville Transit or any Shopper’s Drug Mart location in the town.

Youth and seniors can travel for free on all Oakville Transit services, including conventional fixed routes, care-A-van and Ride On-Demand (Home to Hub).

As for why a PRESTO card is required to qualify for free rides, the town says having a card ensures that you are entitled to the free ride (as per your age bracket) and allows Oakville Transit to collect ridership data that could inform future initiatives. 

The program is permanent and will remain in place indefinitely. 

Riders who are 19 will see their card automatically change to an adult pass upon their 20th birthday. Riders who are under 65 will have to speak with a ServiceOakville representative to have their card re-set (ID is required) when they turn 65. 

The program only applies to Oakville Transit, so riders should expect to pay if they transfer to another service that does not provide free fares to youths and seniors. 

Oakville Transit says it will not refund any unused/pre-purchased bus tickets upon the program’s launch.