Some Things You Didn’t Know About Burlington’s Transit System

Published November 27, 2018 at 6:26 pm

If you’re planning on using the Burlington Transit system more this holiday season, then we have some facts that may spark your interest. 

If you’re planning on using the Burlington Transit system more this holiday season, then we have some facts that may spark your interest. 

We have previously looked at the Oakville Transit system in regards to accessibility and affordability. Now, it’s time to look at the Burlington Transit system. 

Here are some things you may not have known about the Burlington Transit system. 

Similar to the Oakville Transit system, Burlington Transit users have multiple options when it comes to payment. Riders can pay in cash (the cash fare is the same for all ages, $3.50), or by using a PRESTO card, or tickets.

Keep in mind that children who are five and under are able to ride for free when accompanied by an adult. 

When using a PRESTO card, it costs a child (between the ages of six and 12) $1.85 per ride, a youth (between the ages of 13 and 19) $1.85, an adult (between the ages 20 and 64) $2.70, and a senior (65 and over) $1.85.

When using a ticket, it costs a child $18.50 for 10 tickets, a youth $19 for 10 tickets, an adult $27.50 for 10 tickets, and a senior $19 for 10 ten tickets. 

Monthly passes for PRESTO cards are also available. These passes are good for unlimited travel within the city, however, they are not compatible with other transit systems. The cost of a monthly PRESTO pass will vary depending on age. For a child this pass costs $50, for a youth this pass costs $71, for a post-secondary student U-Pass addon it will cost $25, for adults the pass costs $97, and for seniors the pass costs $59.25.

For more information about PRESTO passes, visit the PRESTO page on the City of Burlington website. Here you’ll find information regarding how to use a PRESTO card, where to buy them, how to load them with money, and more. 

Veterans can also ride for free on the following days:

  • The first Sunday in May (Battle of the Atlantic)
  • June 6 (D-Day)
  • Closest Sunday to Aug. 19 (Raid of Dieppe)
  • Sept. 17 (Battle of Britain)
  • Nov. 11 (Remembrance Day)

Veterans are encouraged to apply as part of the Veteran Parking Permit and Transit Pass application process. These applications can be found at the Transportation Services counter at Burlington City Hall, 426 Brant St. 

This program is available to World War II veterans, members of the Canadian Forces, Reserve Forces, Commonwealth Forces as well as its allies, the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command (who served during wartime), veterans of the Korean War, as well as members of NATO Operations or the United Nations Peacekeeping Force.

Burlington’s Transit system is also incredibly accessible. 

All Burlington busses are equipped with low floor and kneeling capabilities that have ramps, digital sign and audio announcements for next stop information, assigned wheelchair spaces, passenger signal stop request, low glare and anti-slip floor covering, high colour contrast grab bars and stanchions, all in addition to priority seating that is clearly marked. 

Burlington buses also have bike racks. 

Burlington Transit also offers a Handi-Van service which is a door-to-door service that is offered by the city in order to assist people with disabilities. For more information including fares and hours of operation, visit the Hand-Van page on the city’s website.

SPLIT passes, Subsidized Passes for Low-Income Transit, are also available. These passes are funded by the Halton Region and provide monthly transit passes, at a lower rate, for residents who fall into the low income threshold. 

For more information about SPLIT passes, visit the City of Burlington website or the Halton Region website.

What do you think of Burlington’s current transit system?

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