Master Canadian Public Transit in 2025

Your complete guide to navigating buses, trains, and transit cards in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver as a newcomer or tourist

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2025
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Your Complete Transit Guide for Canada

Everything you need to navigate Canadian public transit systems with confidence

Public Transit Basics for Newcomers

Understanding Canada's diverse transit systems is your first step to easy navigation. In Toronto, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates subways, streetcars, and buses. Montreal's STM (Société de transport de Montréal) runs the metro and buses, while Vancouver's TransLink manages SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus.

  • Key differences between bus, subway, streetcar and SkyTrain
  • How to read transit maps and schedules
  • Accessibility features across systems

Transit Cards & Mobile Apps

Each major Canadian city has its own transit card system and accompanying mobile applications to make your travel seamless:

Toronto
Presto Card
prestocard.ca
Montreal
OPUS Card
opuscard.ca
Vancouver
Compass Card
compasscard.ca

Essential apps: Transit App, Citymapper, and Google Maps offer real-time tracking and trip planning for all Canadian cities.

Fares and Discount Programs

Save money with these discount programs available in 2025:

Student Discounts

U-Pass programs at universities, student Presto cards with 20% discount in Toronto

Senior Fares

Reduced fares for 65+ with proof of age across all systems

Low-Income Programs

City-specific programs like Fair Pass in Toronto, reduced OPUS in Montreal

Monthly passes offer the best value for regular commuters - save up to 40% compared to single fares.

Avoiding Common Mistakes & Fines

Prevent costly errors with these essential tips:

  • Fare evasion fines: $150-$500 across cities - always tap your card
  • Zone violations: Pay attention to zone boundaries especially in Vancouver
  • Expired transfers: Transfers typically last 90-120 minutes

Register your transit card online to protect your balance in case of loss or theft.

City-Specific Transit Guides

Detailed information for navigating each city's transit system

Toronto

Presto Card
Presto Card System
ttc.ca
  • Subway: 4 lines covering the city
  • Streetcars: 11 routes downtown
  • Buses: 140+ routes serving all areas
2025 Updates:

New Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown opening in late 2025. PRESTO now accepts mobile payments via Google/Apple Pay.

Montreal

OPUS Card
OPUS Card System
stm.info
  • Metro: 4 lines with 68 stations
  • REM: New light rail network opening 2025
  • Buses: 220+ routes serving the island
2025 Updates:

New REM lines connecting airport and suburbs. OPUS cards now available at all metro stations 24/7 via vending machines.

Vancouver

Compass Card
Compass Card System
translink.ca
  • SkyTrain: 3 automated lines
  • SeaBus: Ferry to North Vancouver
  • Buses: Extensive network across region
2025 Updates:

Broadway Subway extension opening late 2025. Compass mobile app now offers balance protection for registered cards.

What Newcomers Say

Real experiences from people who used our transit guide

Sarah M.
Sarah M.

"Arriving in Toronto as a student was overwhelming, but this guide made transit simple. The Presto card instructions saved me so much time and confusion!"

International Student from India
Jean P.
Jean P.

"The section on senior discounts helped me save $40/month on my OPUS card in Montreal. The city-specific information is incredibly accurate and up-to-date."

Retired, moved from France
Miguel R.
Miguel R.

"As a tourist visiting Vancouver, the Compass card explanation and zone map were invaluable. I navigated the city with confidence thanks to this guide!"

Tourist from Mexico

Official Resources

Essential links for Canadian transit information

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