Veterans can ride free of fare on several transit systems in the Greater Toronto area this Saturday, August 22.
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 operating to and from the “Ex”. In most cases, the families of deceased veterans may also ride buses, streetcars and 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;
- GO Transit;
- MiWay;
- the TTC;
- UP Express; 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 marks the 105th anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade 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.
The parade starts at the Princes’ Gates and continues westward along Princes’ Boulevard.
Brampton Transit
Brampton Transit provides free all-day transit service for Canadian War Veterans (individuals who have previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces) and one companion every day of the year.
Veterans an identify themselves by producing a Brampton Transit “Veteran Pass” or any of
- medals;
- berets;
- uniforms;
- blazers; or
- service papers .
GO Transit
Saturday, August 22, veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members (CAF) plus one companion can travel free on GO Transit to the Warriors’ Day Parade at the CNE.
Veterans and CAF members without a valid identification must wear medals or a uniform to identify themselves are a veteran or CAF member. Immediate family of deceased veterans may also ride free with proof of relation (for example: service papers; or identification card).
Year-round, veterans and CAF members travel free on GO Transit with valid ID or by setting a Canadian Armed Forces fare type on their PRESTO fare card.
MiWay
Since Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members (regular or reserved) and veterans can ride MiWay for free with PRESTO.
To ride free, serving members and veterans must:
- Get a PRESTO card.
- You can add a free digital PRESTO card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet or buy a physical card for $4 at a customer service outlet.
- Set the correct fare type
- Visit a customer service outlet with a PRESTO card and valid identification to ask staff to apply the CAF / veteran fare type on your card. Accepted ID includes a Canadian Military Service ID, Temporary National Defence ID Card, or military uniform/medals.
- Tap when boarding
- Tap your PRESTO card as usually. Your fare will display as a free ride.
- PRESTO cards that do not have a set fare type will be charged the $3.50 adult single fare per ride. Without a PRESTO card, the cash fare is $4.50.
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.
UP Express
Saturday, August 22, veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members (CAF) plus one companion can travel free on UP Express to the Warriors’ Day Parade at the CNE.
Veterans and CAF members without a valid identification must wear medals or a uniform to identify themselves are a veteran or CAF member. Immediate family of deceased veterans may also ride free with proof of relation (for example: service papers; or identification card).
Year-round, veterans and CAF members travel free on UPX with valid ID or by setting a Canadian Armed Forces fare type on their PRESTO fare card.
York Region Transit
The Regional Municipality of York honours Canadian war veterans this Warriors’ Day by offering free YRT service to war veterans and immediate family members of deceased veterans.
Veterans and one companion are free to travel all day, system-wide without charge. Veterans can identify themselves to YRT and Mobility Plus operators by showing any of the following items: uniforms, medals, berets or blazers.
The immediate family of a deceased veteran may also ride free by carrying something that identifies their relationship to the deceased veteran, such as an identification card or service papers.
subscribe to our news feed: (