MiWay records more than 2.3 million senior trips since free fares began

Mississauga residents aged 65 and older have made more than 2.3 million trips using a senior PRESTO fare type since MiWay introduced free rides on July 1, 2025, according to a City of Mississauga news release.

The fare program allows eligible seniors to travel on MiWay without paying, but their PRESTO card must first be set to the senior fare type. A card without a designated fare type will still be charged the regular adult fare.

The City released the ridership snapshot to mark National Seniors Day on October 1, highlighting transit’s role in helping older residents reach shopping, services, recreation and medical appointments.

How to access free rides

To set up the senior fare type, residents must visit a Customer Service Outlet and provide proof of age. Once the setting is in place, the free fare is applied automatically whenever the card is tapped on a MiWay bus.

Seniors should use their own PRESTO card and not share it with others, the City says.

For trips beyond Mississauga, the One Fare program provides free transfers between MiWay and the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit or York Region Transit within the transfer window.

Residents seeking fare information can visit miway.ca/fares, call 905-615-4636 or email miwayhelps@mississauga.ca.

A growing senior population

Residents aged 65 and older are among Mississauga’s fastest-growing population groups, according to the City. Its forecasts suggest that population could increase by 45 per cent by 2051.

Across Ontario, the provincial government projects the senior population will reach 4.6 million by 2051.

The City describes free fares, accessible buses and direct routes as ways to help seniors remain connected to their communities while reducing the need to drive, find parking or navigate traffic.

MiWay’s network includes nearly 70 routes and more than 3,000 stops. The City reports that the transit system recorded 52 million boardings in 2025.

Beyond transit, Mississauga also offers programs and services focused on healthy aging, recreation, social connection and lifelong learning.