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Youth and Child fares

Child fares

Transit fares effective July 1, 2023

Children aged 12 years and under qualify for no-charge fares. If you’re taking a bus, Para Transpo, or Para Transpo Rural, simply board without paying a fare. If you’re taking O-Train Line 1, you can:

  • Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult like a parent or guardian.
  • Tap through the fare gate with your Child card or school board issued Presto card, if you have one.

For children who look older than 12 years of age or regularly travel alone, we recommend getting a Child card. To obtain a free OC Transpo Child card, visit the Rideau Centre Customer Service Centre:

  • Tap this card on fare readers at O-Train Line 1 fare gates and on buses.
Fares per ride for children on all routes
PRESTO Cash
Ages 0–12 No-charge No-charge

Youth fares

  • Monthly Youth pass offers discounts for frequent riders 13–19
  • Full-time students at Algonquin, Carleton, Saint Paul and uOttawa receive a U-Pass valid for their school term
  • Some high school students will receive a Presto card from their school board.
    • Contact your school board to see if you qualify before buying a pass!
Fares for youth ages 13–19
Presto e‑Purse Cash
exact change only
Single ride $3.80 $3.85
1-DayPass $11.75 $11.75
Monthly Pass $99.25 N/A

Setting up your Presto card for a Youth discount

Anyone can buy a Presto card with an age-based discount. You can buy it for yourself or on behalf of an eligible person. You must meet eligibility criteria to use the card with a discounted fare. You also need to prove eligibility if requested.


2-for-1 DayPass

Weekends & statutory holidays

On weekends and statutory holidays, the one DayPass can be used as a 2-for-1 DayPass (valid for two customers aged 13 or older).

Get your DayPass on the bus (using exact change or money from your Presto e-Purse) or from the ticket machine at the O‑Train station (using cash, credit or debit).

Read more about the Family DayPasses