Transit fares going up in Guelph and Waterloo Region

Undated Guelph Transit Bus (Source: Guelph Transit)

Taking public transit in Guelph and Waterloo Region is going to be a little more costly in 2025.

Guelph

In Guelph, the increases went into effect on Jan. 1.

Adult fares rose $0.05 to $2.85, for users with an OnYourWay card or through the app.

Reduced fares also jumped $0.05 to $2.30.

Day passes, meanwhile, increased $0.15 to $8.55.

Cash fares will remain unchanged at $3.25.

Guelph Transit also offers an Affordable Bus Pass Program. As of Feb. 1, all passes in Tier A and Tier B will be free. They said refunds will be offered to anyone who has funds left on their passes until Dec. 31, 2025.

February will also mark the start of new pilot programs for Guelph Transit: seniors, aged 65 or older, can travel for free every Thursday; and teens, aged 13 to 17, can ride free every weekday after 5 p.m., as well as on weekends and holidays.

Guelph Transit said the increases were part of a broader strategy which was approved by council in 2023.

“Fare increases help offset the cost of operating, expanding and improving transit service,” they explained on their website. “Regular fare increases help fund projects, including new shelters and digital bus stop displays. They also help Guelph Transit offer reduced fares for those who qualify.”

Waterloo Region

Some Grand River Transit fares will go up on July 1.

Cash fares and single ride tickets, which currently cost $3.75, will increase to $4.

Other changes include:

All other fares, tickets and passes remain unchanged, although GRT EasyGO cards will drop in price from $5 to $4.

Council approved the fare increases in the Region of Waterloo’s 2025 budget.

Grand River Transit said other changes were also given the green light, including 15,000 additional service hours for “improvements to the core network in response to growth and ridership,” another 3,500 MobilityPLUS service hours to address rider demand, and summer service reductions are set to begin one week earlier in June.