Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members will be able to ride MiWay buses for free year-round starting July 1, the City of Mississauga has announced.

The new fare type, approved by Mississauga City Council in April, covers both regular and reserve force members. Riders must present valid military identification or other proof of service, according to a City of Mississauga news release.

The program builds on free rides MiWay already offers veterans and military members on two days each year: the Warriors' Day Parade and Remembrance Day.

How to access the free fare

Eligible riders must set the veterans and CAF fare type on their PRESTO card before boarding. Cards without that setting will continue to be charged the $3.50 adult single fare.

Riders who need a physical PRESTO card can buy one for $4 at a customer service outlet.

The city said the program is intended to recognize veterans and military members for their service while reducing their day-to-day travel costs, giving them more affordable access to work, appointments, services and community activities.

Connections across the region

The move aligns Mississauga with GO Transit and UP Express, which already provide free year-round travel to veterans and CAF members.

Canadian Armed Forces members commuting from Mississauga to Moss Park Armoury or Fort York Armoury in Toronto can also use free transfers under Ontario's One Fare Program. MiWay riders can transfer at no cost to the TTC, GO Transit, Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, Durham Region Transit and York Region Transit, the city said.

MiWay is one of the largest transit systems in Ontario, with nearly 70 routes, more than 3,000 stops and roughly 58 million boardings each year.

We are proud to honour veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces in our community with free MiWay service. Offering the service in this way builds on our priority to promote accessible public transit. MiWay plays a key role helping our residents stay active and connected, and builds a cohesive and inclusive city where everyone can move freely and contribute to community life.

That statement came from Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish in the city's announcement.

Transit offers a convenient, stress‑free way to stay connected to work, services and the community. MiWay is proud to make transit easier and more accessible to those who have served our community and country.

MiWay Director and General Manager Maureen Cosyn Heath provided that comment in the same release.