All guides / Community Help
Rides and transportation
Last checked:
Transportation for seniors in Canada includes reduced transit fares, accessible door-to-door transit, provincial programs that help pay for travel to medical care, and volunteer driver programs. Many provinces also have special licence renewal rules for drivers aged 80 and over. Dial 2-1-1 to find rides near you.
Key facts
- Montreal transit, age 65+
- Free in Zone A for residents of the agglomeration of Montréal
- BC Bus Pass for low-income seniors, 2026
- $45 a year
- Ontario Northern Health Travel Grant
- 41 cents per km, for trips of at least 100 km one way
- Ontario licence renewal at 80+
- Every 2 years; $36 fee
Transportation for seniors: transit discounts in major cities
Most public transit systems offer a lower fare for seniors, usually starting at age 65. You will need to show proof of age, and some systems need you to set up your fare card in person. Here are examples from large cities. Check your local transit website for current fares.
- Toronto (TTC): The senior fare with PRESTO is $2.25 a trip. The senior monthly and 12-month passes ended on August 31, 2026. After 47 eligible trips in a calendar month, the rest of your trips that month are free. Add the senior fare type to your PRESTO card at Shoppers Drug Mart or a PRESTO customer service outlet, with proof of age.
- Ontario (GO Transit): Ontario says seniors 65 and up can save 55% on GO train and bus rides with a PRESTO card.
- Montréal (STM): Residents of the agglomeration of Montréal aged 65 and over ride free in Zone A, including métro, bus, train and paratransit. You need a photo OPUS card, which costs $15 and is renewed every seven years, and proof of residence.
- Metro Vancouver (TransLink): Seniors 65 and over pay concession fares with valid photo ID proving age. Since July 1, 2026, a 1-zone concession fare is $2.30 and a concession monthly pass is $66.95 for all zones.
BC Bus Pass for low-income seniors
In British Columbia, the BC Bus Pass lets low-income seniors ride public transit for a full calendar year for $45. You can qualify if you get the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor. Some people aged 60 to 64 on provincial income assistance can also qualify.
You can apply online, by phone at 1-866-866-0800, or by mail. You will need your Social Insurance Number, name, date of birth and address. The fee is not refundable, and the pass usually arrives within 15 business days after your payment is processed.
Accessible and door-to-door transit
If you cannot use regular buses or trains because of a disability or health condition, you may qualify for specialized transit. These services use smaller vehicles with a lift or ramp and pick you up at your door. Examples include Wheel-Trans in Toronto, Para Transpo in Ottawa and HandyDART in Metro Vancouver. HandyDART fares match the 1-zone fare.
Each service has its own application, which often needs a health professional to fill in part of the form. Contact your local transit system to apply. Booking usually has to be done in advance, so plan ahead for appointments.
Help paying for travel to medical appointments
If you live far from the specialist or hospital you need, your province or territory may help pay. Most programs need a referral from your doctor and approval before you travel. Keep all receipts.
- Ontario, Northern Health Travel Grant: For OHIP-insured residents of northern Ontario who travel at least 100 km one way to see a specialist or use a ministry-funded facility. It pays 41 cents per km for the round trip. For service dates from December 1, 2024, there is an accommodation allowance from $175 for one night to $1,150 for eight or more nights, with original receipts. It does not cover meals or taxis. Apply within 12 months of your appointment. Call 1-800-262-6524.
- British Columbia, Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC): Gives discounts with partner carriers when you travel for specialist care not available locally. Discounts include full ferry fares for the patient and a regular car, about 30% on some airlines and on VIA Rail, and 15% to 25% on some buses. Your doctor, nurse practitioner or specialty clinic gives you the TAP form before you travel. It does not cover meals, hotels, mileage, fuel or travel already taken. Call 1-800-663-7100.
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP): Helps with airfare, mileage, bus and ferry travel, accommodation and meals when you travel for specialized insured care. For travel on or after September 1, 2026, the mileage rate is 35 cents per eligible km, all eligible km are paid once the 500 km threshold is met, private accommodation is $50 per eligible night, and the $400 yearly household deductible for in-province travel was removed. Submit claims within 12 months. Call 1-877-475-2412.
- Manitoba, Northern Patient Transportation Program: Subsidizes travel for residents of northern Manitoba to the nearest place where medical or hospital care is available. Contact the Northern Health Region or email [email protected].
- Northwest Territories, medical travel: Seniors 60 and over may be covered through Extended Health Benefits. Approved travel can include the trip to the closest place care is available, boarding home stays and meals, and an escort in some cases. Your health care provider arranges it with the regional medical travel office. You can appeal a decision within 60 days.
- Nunavut, medical travel: The Nunavut Health Care Plan and other plans cover approved medical travel. An escort may be approved if you cannot travel alone or need help with language. Ask a clerk at your local health centre.
Do not book travel before you have approval. Most programs will not pay back trips taken without it.
Volunteer drivers and rides from community groups
Many communities have volunteer driver programs that take seniors to medical appointments, shopping or social outings. In Ontario, examples include the Canadian Red Cross, the Royal Canadian Legion and Seniors Active Living Centres. In British Columbia, Better at Home can help with transportation to appointments, with fees on a sliding scale based on income. Most programs ask for a small fee or donation and need a few days' notice.
Dial 2-1-1 and ask for volunteer drivers or seniors' transportation near your postal code.
Driver's licence renewal at 80 in Ontario and BC
In Ontario, once you turn 80 you must renew your licence every two years. Your letter and renewal form arrive up to 90 days before your licence expires. You watch a senior driver education video, take a vision test and do a short screening exercise. You may be asked to take a road test or send medical information. The renewal fee is $36. Book by phone at 1-800-396-4233 (416-235-3579 in the Greater Toronto Area), Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, or online.
In British Columbia, drivers must have a Driver's Medical Examination Report completed at age 80, at 85, and every two years after that. You pay your doctor's fee for the exam. The exam does not include a road test. Send the report in by the date on the form, or your licence may be cancelled.
Things people often miss
- Medical travel programs usually have a 12-month claim deadline. Send your claim soon after your trip.
- You often need the specialist or facility to sign part of the claim form. Bring it to your appointment.
- Ontario's accessible parking permit is free if you qualify. Call 1-800-387-3445.
- Travel costs for medical care may also count toward the medical expense tax credit. Keep your receipts.
Who to contact
- 211
Phone: 2-1-1
Find volunteer drivers and local ride programs - Northern Health Travel Grant (Ontario)
Phone: 1-800-262-6524
Ministry of Health, Sudbury - Health Insurance BC (TAP BC questions)
Phone: 1-800-663-7100
604-683-7151 in the Vancouver area - MTAP (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Phone: 1-877-475-2412
Email [email protected] - BC Bus Pass Program
Phone: 1-866-866-0800
Toll-free - ServiceOntario senior driver renewal booking
Phone: 1-800-396-4233
416-235-3579 in the GTA. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Common questions
At what age do seniors get cheaper transit fares?
Most transit systems start senior fares at 65, but each city sets its own rules. Check your local transit system and bring proof of age.
Is transit free for seniors in Montreal?
Yes, for residents of the agglomeration of Montréal aged 65 and over, in Zone A. You need a photo OPUS card and proof of residence.
How much is the TTC senior fare?
The senior fare on PRESTO is $2.25 a trip. Senior monthly passes ended on August 31, 2026; after 47 eligible trips in a month, the rest are free.
How do I get a ride to a medical appointment?
Dial 2-1-1 to find volunteer driver programs and community transportation. If you need to travel far for specialist care, ask your doctor about your province's medical travel program.
What is the Northern Health Travel Grant?
It helps northern Ontario residents who travel at least 100 km one way for specialist care. It pays 41 cents per km for the round trip, plus an accommodation allowance in some cases.
Do I have to take a road test at 80 in Ontario?
Not always. You take a vision test and a short screening exercise. You may be asked to take a road test depending on the results.
Do seniors in BC need a medical exam to drive?
Yes. Drivers need a Driver's Medical Examination Report at 80, 85 and every two years after that. You pay your doctor's fee.
Who qualifies for the BC Bus Pass?
Seniors who get the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance, and some others with low income. It costs $45 a year.
Sources
- Northern Health Travel Grant Program (Government of Ontario)
- Travel Assistance Program (TAP BC) (Government of British Columbia)
- Medical Transportation Assistance Program (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Government Announces Major Enhancements to Medical Transportation Assistance (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Medical Transportation (Government of Manitoba)
- Help with GNWT medical travel (Government of the Northwest Territories)
- Medical Travel and Escorts (Government of Nunavut)
- Renew a G driver's licence: 80 years and over (Government of Ontario)
- Senior drivers (Government of British Columbia)
- Driving and transportation (Guide to programs and services for seniors) (Government of Ontario)
- BC Bus Pass for low-income seniors (Government of British Columbia)
- Better at Home (Government of British Columbia)
- Fare types and discounts (Toronto Transit Commission)
- Free 65+ (Société de transport de Montréal)
- Pricing and Fare Zones (TransLink)