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Transfers

Per-ride fares include free transfers between all OC Transpo, O-Train and STO routes. Transfers are valid from the time you start your trip or tap onto a fare gate, until they expire.

Your transfer is your proof of purchase where it is required: on the O-Train, O-Train platform, articulated (accordion) buses and double deckers.

Transfer types

Depending on how you pay for your trip, your transfer may have a different format.

All transfers offer the same benefits but there are minor differences in how you use each type. The transfer window is the same for all per-ride payments. All transfer types are accepted on all routes, including STO.

Payment method Transfer format
Presto card e-transfer
Cash or single-ride voucher on a bus paper transfer
Ticket Machine Single-ride ticket

Transfer time

Transfers and single-ride tickets allow for unlimited travel on any route until they expire:

Time of payment Transfer expires:
Weekdays 2:45 am to 6:30 am 105 minutes later
6:30 am to 6 pm 90 minutes later
6 pm to 10:30 pm 105 minutes later
10:30 pm to 2:45 am until 4:30 am
Saturdays 2:45 am to 10 am 105 minutes later
10 am to 6 pm 90 minutes later
6 pm to 10:30 pm 105 minutes later
10:30 pm to 2:45 am until 4:30 am
Sundays 2:45 am to 10:30 pm 105 minutes later
10:30 pm to 2:45 am until 4:30 am

Paper transfers

If you pay for your trip on the bus with cash or a single-ride voucher, you will be issued a paper transfer. As you board the bus (by the front doors):

  • Drop exact change or one single-ride voucher in the fare box
  • Wait for your transfer to print. Place the slip in a safe place.
  • Make your way to your seat.

Using your paper transfer

On the bus At the fare gates
  • Board from the front door
  • Show your transfer to the driver
  • Scan the barcode on the fare-gate reader:

Location of barcode scanners at fare gates

Presto e-transfers

When you tap to pay your fare, your transfer is added to your card. Tap onto any card reader to see how long you have left to transfer.

On the bus At the fare gates
  • Tap your card on the reader near the door.

Example of an onboard Presto card reader

  • Tap your card on the smartcard reader to open the gates

Location of Presto readers on fare gates

  • Walk through

Single-ride tickets from ticket machines

On the bus At the fare gates
  • Board from the front door
  • Show your ticket to the driver
  • Scan the barcode on the fare-gate reader:

Location of barcode scanners at fare gates

Transfers in fare-paid zones

Bayview, Blair, Greenboro, Hurdman and Tunney’s Pasture stations have fare-paid zones (FPZs).

At these stations, buses and trains drop you off or pick you up inside the FPZ. You do not need to go through a fare gate.

Transfers from bus to train:

  • The train will drop you off in the FPZ
  • Your bus will pick you up inside the FPZ with all doors open for fast boarding

Transfers from train to train:

  • At Bayview Station, Line 1 and Line 2 trains load and unload within the FPZ
  • You can make your way to the other platform right away