River Valley Transit (RVT) will implement a fare adjustment effective July 1, 2026, marking the first update to its fare structure since 2014. This change ensures the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and high-quality public transportation service while introducing expanded, user-friendly payment options for riders.
For more than a decade, RVT has held fares steady despite substantial increases in the cost of operating transit services. Inflation has driven up expenses across all areas of operation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, equipment, and day-to-day operational supplies.
“Updating our fare structure is necessary to keep pace with rising costs and to continue providing the dependable service our community expects,” said Todd Wright, RVT Executive Director. “At the same time, we are modernizing how riders pay for transit to make the experience faster, easier, and more convenient.”
As part of this modernization effort, RVT is expanding its use of the Token Transit platform, a widely used mobile ticketing application that allows riders to purchase, store, and use bus passes directly from their
smartphones. With the Token Transit app, riders can:
- Download the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Create a secure account using an email address
- Purchase fares instantly using a debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet
- Store multiple passes on their phone for future use
- Activate passes only when ready to ride, ensuring riders get full value from time-based fares
- Display a digital ticket on their screen to be scanned or validated when boarding
Once a pass is activated, the app generates a visual ticket with dynamic features designed to prevent fraud and ensure validity. With RVT’s upcoming system upgrade, onboard validators will allow riders to simply scan their mobile ticket for quick and seamless boarding.
In addition to mobile ticketing, RVT will introduce reusable and refillable smart cards connected to the Token Transit system. These cards offer a convenient alternative for riders who may not use smartphones, allowing them to load funds or passes and tap when boarding.
RVT is also rolling out “tap-to-pay” technology at the farebox, enabling riders to pay instantly using contactless debit or credit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
For passengers choosing to pay with cash, exact fare will be required when boarding, as fareboxes will not provide change. Riders are encouraged to take advantage of the new digital and contactless payment options for added ease and efficiency.
The “EZ Fare” paper passes will be replaced by the reusable Token Transit Smart Cards. Existing EZ Fare pass users will get an opportunity to transfer any remaining balances from their EZ Fare cards to the the reusable smart card in the month of June. Formal Token Transit training will be held at the Transit Centre and dates will be announced.
Even with the fare adjustment, RVT remains committed to affordability. Fares will continue to be competitive with similar transit systems, and public transportation remains a cost-effective alternative to driving when considering fuel, parking, maintenance, and vehicle ownership expenses.
A full list of updated fares will be available on RVT’s website and in the new 2026 Ride Guide prior to the July 1 implementation date.
River Valley Transit remains dedicated to providing accessible, reliable transportation that connects residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential daily services.
| Fares | until June 30, 2026 | as of July 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare, One Ride | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| One Day Pass in TTC | $2.25 | $4.00 |
| One Day Pass from Driver | $2.50 | N/A |
| 2 Ride Pass in TTC | $2.25 | N/A |
| 2 Ride Pass from Driver | $2.50 | N/A |
| 7 Day Pass | $12.00 | N/A |
| 10 Ride Pass | $12.00 | $14.00 |
| 20 Ride Pass | $22.00 | N/A |
| 31 Day Pass | $40.00 | $44.00 |
| Senior 65+ (with ID) | FREE | FREE |
| Youth (17 & under) One Ride | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Youth 31 Day Pass | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| Reduced/Disabled (with ID) | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Transfer | FREE | FREE |
| Child (Age 5 and under) | FREE | FREE |
Youth Pass price and terms subject to change. • N/A—no longer available for purchase.
Exact Fares required as of July 1, 2026. Bus operators will not make change. Bus operators will not sell passes, please have your fare, token transit app or smart card ready prior to boarding.