Youth and Child fares
Child fares
Transit fares effective January 1, 2025
Kids 10 and under ride free.
If you’re taking a bus, Para Transpo, or Para Transpo Rural, simply board without paying a fare. If you’re taking the O-Train, you can:
- Enter at the accessible (wide) fare gate with a fare-paying adult.
- Tap through the fare gate with your Child card or school board issued Presto card, if you have one.
Getting your child card
In person
To get a free OC Transpo Child card, visit the Rideau Centre Customer Service Centre.
By email
Email us at octrideau@ottawa.ca with the information below and we’ll mail you your child’s card. Include the following:
- A clear photo of the child, from the shoulder up
- Child’s first and last names
- Child’s birth date
- Guardian's mailing address
- Phone number
- Your choice of the three card designs: owl, train, or bus:
Pre-Teen fares
Children aged 11 and 12 are eligible for the new $2.00 Pre-Teen single-ride fare. This discount is only available on Presto card and Para Pay.
Setting up your Presto card for a Pre-teen discount
Anyone can buy a Presto card with an age-based discount. You can buy it for yourself or on behalf of an eligible person. You must meet eligibility criteria to use the card with a discounted fare. You also need to prove eligibility if requested.
Tap tip
At Presto retailers and prestocard.ca the Pre-Teen discount will display as “Child”. Don’t worry! This is the correct discount.
Youth fares
- Monthly Youth pass offers discounts for frequent riders 11–19
- Full-time students at Algonquin, Carleton, Saint Paul and uOttawa receive a U-Pass valid for their school term
- Some high school students will receive a Presto card from their school board.
- Contact your school board to see if you qualify before buying a pass!
| O-Payment/Presto e‑Purse | |
|---|---|
| Single ride | $4.00 |
| Monthly Pass | $104.00 |
Setting up your Presto card for a Youth discount
Anyone can buy a Presto card with an age-based discount. You can buy it for yourself or on behalf of an eligible person. You must meet eligibility criteria to use the card with a discounted fare. You also need to prove eligibility if requested.
2-for-1 DayPass
Weekends & statutory holidays
On weekends and statutory holidays, the one DayPass can be used as a 2-for-1 DayPass (valid for two customers aged 11 or older).
Get your DayPass on the bus (using exact change or money from your Presto e-Purse) or from the ticket machine at the O‑Train station (using cash, credit or debit).