Fare gates
Each O-Train station has a row of fare gates at the entrance. Any fare gate can be used to enter the station.
To go through a fare gate, tap your smart card or scan the barcode on your paper ticket or transfer.
Single-ride tickets, one-day DayPasses, and multi-day passes can be purchased at nearby ticket machines.
Passing through a fare gate takes you into a fare-paid zone (FPZ) where you can board the train. At Tunney's Pasture, Bayview, Hurdman, and Blair Stations, you can also catch a bus within the FPZ.
How to use fare gates
Transcript and text description
| Time | Transcript | Text description |
|---|---|---|
| 00:01 | [Music] |
“How will I get through the gate?” displays on the screen. An outline drawing of a fare gate appears. |
| 00:03 | [Music] |
The drawing of a fare gates remains on the screen. A Presto card is tapped at the card reader atop the fare gate and the gates open. “Tap or scan: Stations will have easy-to-use fare gates where you tap your smartcard or scan a barcoded transfer or event ticket.” displays on the screen. |
| 00:07 | [Music] | The drawing of a fare gates remains on the screen. A barcode is scanned at the fare gate and the gates open. |
| 00:12 | [Music] | OC Transpo logo appears on the screen. |
Scan a barcode
- Paper transfer from the bus
- Paper ticket from a ticket machine
- One-day or multi-day DayPass
- 2-for-1 DayPass
A valid fare will open the gate for you. If you have a question about your fare or using the fare gate, speak with a Customer Service Representative through the video chat feature on ticket machines.
Accessible fare gates
An accessible fare gate is located at the end of every row of fare gates. Customers with an assistive mobility device, stroller, bicycle, luggage, or who need more time or space to get through can use the accessible fare gate.
Accessible fare gates have:
- Wider entrances
- Doors that stay open longer
- Card readers on the side of the gate
Exiting the fare gates
You do not need to tap or scan at the fare gates when exiting the station. Simply walk towards the fare gates and they will open automatically.
Common fare gate questions
How do I use my Presto card to tap for someone else at a fare gate?
Your Presto card can only be used to pay for a single passenger at fare gates. This is because the gates do not generate paper transfers.
If you would like to pay for more than one customer at an O-Train station, you can use a ticket machine to buy a single-ride ticket; or buy and instantly load a second Presto card.
Note: You will need to pay for the second fare by cash, debit, or credit as Presto e-Purse payments (the funds already loaded on your Presto card) are not accepted at ticket machines.
How does a senior get through the fare gates on Sundays and Wednesdays?
Transit is free on Wednesdays and Sundays for seniors 65+. On these days, you will need to tap a Presto card set with the senior discount at the fare gate — the gate will open and no fare will be charged.
If you transfer to a bus, do not tap your card when you board!
Best way to get a Presto card for seniors
Buy your card in person at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (CSC) or a participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, or Real Canadian Superstore location. A Presto card costs $4.00.
When buying a Presto card in person, there is no minimum load required. An age-based discount can be set on the card immediately.
Other options
You can also buy a Presto card:
- At a ticket machine
- Online at prestocard.ca
- By telephone at 1-8-PRESTO-123
If you purchase a Presto card using one of these three methods, there will be a minimum load required. You will also need to visit a CSC, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, or Real Canadian Superstore to set the age-based discount.
How does a child 12 and under get through the fare gates?
Children ages 12 and under ride for free. There is no need to tap at the fare gate for a child under 12 years old.
When travelling with children or a stroller, you can use the accessible fare gate. The accessible fare gate is wider and the doors stay open longer.
How does a child 10 and under get through the fare gates?
Children ages 10 and under ride for free. Enter through the accessible wide fare gates with a fare-paying adult (parent or guardian), or use a Child card.
When travelling with children or a stroller, you can use the accessible fare gate. The accessible fare gate is wider and the doors stay open longer.