Metrolinx PRESTO card now available in Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch [ Guide ]

Apple and Metrolinx unveiled this morning a new, convenient way for transit riders in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to travel. With the new integration, users can add a PRESTO card to their Apple Wallet and tap their device to ride subways, trains, buses, and streetcars–for use even when phone is dying (on the power reserve screen of death).

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “PRESTO in Apple Wallet makes the transit experience easy and convenient, whether commuting to work or exploring the city.”

What’s a PRESTO card / pass?

Not familiar with the PRESTO card? No problem. It’s simply a reloadable payment system that you can use for fares on the TTC, GO Transit, UP Express, and eight other transit agencies in Ontario.

Now is a great time to get a PRESTO card or add PRESTO to your Apple or Google Wallet to enjoy benefits like the lowest fares, balance protection, Autoload, and two-hour transfers.

By downloading the PRESTO app, you can load passes or money, manage up to 10 cards, and check your balance.

TTC fares / How much does it cost to take the TTC?

Adult single cash fares are $3.35, while Youth (13-19) and Senior (65+) cash fares are $2.40 and $2.30. If paying with a debit or credit card, adult fares are slightly reduced to $3.30.

More ways to pay your TTC fare

You can use your Interac Debit card, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit cards, or add these cards to a mobile wallet on your phone or watch to tap on a PRESTO device for an Adult PRESTO fare. Youth and Senior fares are only available with a PRESTO card.

Learn more about contactless credit and debit payment options.

PRESTO Pay-as-you-go pricing

Adult fares with PRESTO are $3.30, Youth (13-19) are $2.35, and Senior (65+) are $2.25. One-ride tickets are $3.35 for all, two-ride tickets are $6.70, and day pass tickets are $13.50. The Fair Pass Transit Discount offers a reduced fare of $2.10 for eligible adults.

PRESTO One Fare Program

With the One Fare Program, your fare includes a free two-hour transfer to Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit. Plus, your TTC fare will be discounted from your GO Transit trip if you start your journey on the TTC. This benefit is available when using a PRESTO card, PRESTO in Google Wallet, or a debit/credit card.

TTC Monthly Passes

When purchasing a monthly pass, you have the option of signing up for a 12-month contract that offers adults a reduced rate of $143.00 per month, or senior/youth rate of $117.45 per month. Otherwise the monthly TTC pass rate for adults is $156.00 or $128.15 for seniors (65+) , youth (13-19yo), or secondary school adult students (with a student ID card). Alternatively there is also a Fair Pass Transit Discount Program rate of $123.25 for those eligible (see here for eligibility details).

TTC monthly passes on PRESTO are only available for purchase starting from the last 12 days of the current month until the 8th day of the following month.

Find out more about TTC monthly passes on PRESTO.

TTC / PRESTO Two-Hour Transfer Period

When you pay your fare on the TTC with a PRESTO card, PRESTO Ticket, PRESTO in Google Wallet, or a debit/credit card, you receive a two-hour transfer. This allows you to enter and exit the TTC as many times as you like within a two-hour window.

Learn more about using PRESTO on the TTC.

TTC-tip: Kids ages 0-12 ride for free! You can also obtain a Child Proof-of-Age card for children who are tall for their age.

Here’s how you can now easily add (or sign-up for) a PRESTO card to your Apple Wallet

Starting today, users can NOW add a PRESTO card to their Wallet app by tapping the Add (+) button, selecting “Transit Card,” and following the prompts to sign-up for/purchase one. Existing physical PRESTO cards can also be transferred to iPhone or Apple Watch via the PRESTO app.

With this integration, reloading PRESTO cards no longer requires a trip to transit hubs or retailers. Funds can be added directly from the PRESTO app or within Wallet. Additionally, users can purchase transit passes, such as the TTC Monthly Pass, through the PRESTO iOS app and add them to Wallet.

Easy and Convenient Tap-to-Ride

PRESTO in Wallet offers a seamless transit experience. With Express Mode enabled, users can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader without unlocking or waking the device. Even if the device needs charging, power reserve mode on iPhone allows continued use for transit.

Users also have the option to use their credit or debit cards via Apple Pay for pay-as-you-go rides. By adding their cards to Apple Pay and enabling Express Mode, they can tap to ride without needing to unlock or wake the device.

Security and Privacy

PRESTO in Wallet leverages the security features of iPhone and Apple Watch. Card information is encrypted and stored securely in the Secure Element chip. Apple does not track user journeys, ensuring privacy. In case of a lost device, the Find My app can be used to lock and locate it promptly.

Requirements and Compatibility

• Devices: iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later with iOS 16.4 or later, or Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.4 or later.
• Express Mode: Only one PRESTO card can be enabled at a time. Multiple cards can be managed in the Settings app.
• Power Reserve: Available on iPhone Xr or later.
• Payment Cards: Credit and debit cards can be used for adult fares with Express Mode or by double-clicking the side button.

With this launch, transit riders in the GTHA can now enjoy a more convenient and secure way to manage their commutes and travel with their Apple devices.

Did you know that being a PRESTO card holder has it’s perks?

Despite the obvious savings, PRESO card holders also have access to a range of perks and offers available. Check the website regularly for updates — and subject to change.

These are some of our favourite perks:

• Save $25 off your first TURO trip.
• Save 44% off CNE tickets (until August 14th).
• Save 15% off your Ripley’s Aquarium tickets – in person only.
• Get 15% off Toronto Blue Jays™ select September home game tickets with PRESTO Perks.
• Save 10% off the Formula 1 exhibition – using code PRESTO at checkout.
• And much more