Youth and Child fares
Child fares
Transit fares effective July 1, 2023
Kids 12 and under ride free.
If you’re taking a bus, Para Transpo, or Para Transpo Rural, simply board without paying a fare. If you’re taking the O-Train, you can:
- Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult.
- 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. Tap this card on fare readers at O-Train fare gates and on buses.
Getting your child card
In person
To get a free OC Transpo Child card, visit the Rideau Centre Customer Service Centre.
By email
Email us at octrideau@ottawa.ca with the information below and we’ll mail you your child’s card. Include the following:
- A clear photo of the child, from the shoulder up
- Child’s first and last names
- Child’s birth date
- Guardian's mailing address
- Phone number
- Your choice of the three card designs: owl, train, or bus:
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!
| O-Payment & 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).