Veterans can ride free of fare on several transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe area this Saturday, August 19.
On that day, the Canadian National Exhibition hosts its annual Warriors Day events, including a parade, and vets and companions can enter the CNE for free.
The free transit service for veterans is available on vehicles serving all routes that the transit systems operate Saturday, not just those traveling to and from the “Ex”. In most cases, the families of deceased veterans may also ride buses, streetcars and subway trains free of fare.
Generally, transit systems ask veterans to wear their uniforms, medals or something else that would clearly identify them as veterans, so they don’t have to pay a fare, like other passengers. Families of deceased veterans riding transit vehicles should also bring some form of identification.
Transit systems that offer free rides for vets this Saturday include:
- Brampton Transit;
- Brantford Transit;
- Durham Region Transit;
- GO Transit;
- Grand River Transit;
- Guelph Transit;
- MiWay;
- the TTC; and
- York Region Transit.
Military parades and demonstrations have been an important tradition of the Canadian National Exhibition since it started in 1879. This year’s Warriors’ Day Parade is the ninety-sixth at the CNE. In 1921, the “Ex” board of governors decided that the parades would formally salute veterans of World War I. The board formed the Warriors’ Day Parade Council to make sure that Torontonians paid ongoing tribute to former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II.
The parade, which this year salutes the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 75th Anniversary of The Dieppe Raid starts at the Princes’ Gates and continues down Princes’ Boulevard.
Brampton Transit
World War II, Korean War or Merchant Marine wartime veterans who live in Brampton ride free all year-round — not just on Warriors Day. You can pick up a form to apply for free transit service at at transit terminals and local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. Applications are also available on-line, here. (.pdf)
Brantford Transit
Veterans can ride free year-round, not just on Warriors Day — but you’ll need to apply for a special lifetime veterans’ pass. You can find more information and an application form here.
Durham Region Transit
Veterans ride free of fare Warriors Day.
GO Transit
If you’re a veteran, you and one companion may ride free on Warriors Day. Anyone else traveling with you must buy tickets or passes. You and your companion can take any GO train or bus anytime on Warriors’ Day — you don’t have to buy a ticket.
On the train, simply get on board — you don’t need to identify yourself, unless a fare inspector asks you while you’re on the train. On the bus, identify yourself as a veteran to the bus driver. Please wear your medals, beret, blazer, uniform, or something else that clearly identifies you as a war veteran.
The immediate families of deceased veterans may also ride free. Please make sure you carry something to identify your relationship to the deceased veteran, such as an identification card or service papers.
Grand River Transit
Veterans can ride free year-round, not just on Warriors Day — but you’ll need to apply for a special lifetime veterans’ pass. You can find more information and an application form here.
Guelph Transit
Veterans can ride free year-round, not just on Warriors Day — but you’ll need to apply for a special lifetime veterans’ pass. You can find more information and an application form here.
MiWay
Veterans can ride free on Warriors Day and Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11. A companion riding with you may also ride free. Wear your uniform, medals or another item that clearly identifies you as a veteran to the driver, so you don’t have to pay a fare that day.
Toronto Transit Commission
Veterans of war and peacekeeping missions can ride the TTC free of charge on Warriors Day and Remembrance Day. The TTC requires Canadian war veterans and peacekeepers to show their service medals or ribbons to receive free access to buses, streetcars, subways and the Scarborough rapid transit line. A companion may ride free as well.
York Region Transit
Veterans and one companion may ride free on Warriors’ Day. The immediate family of deceased war veterans may also ride free.
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