You are viewing archived content.

York Region Transit reports record high ridership, up by 12% to 23.7 million riders in 2024

May 05, 2025
York Regional Council sees benefit of One Fare program, advocating for program to become permanent

Newmarket – York Regional Council received the 2024 York Region Transit (YRT) System Performance Report, highlighting outstanding ridership levels, reliable services and innovative achievements throughout 2024.

The report also outlines remarkable benefits of the first-year implementation of Ontario’s One Fare Program. 

“York Region Transit prioritizes improving traveller experience, affordability and lowering emissions as part of our commitment to a sustainable environment,” said Eric Jolliffe, York Region Chairman and CEO. “With communities growing to over 2 million residents by 2051, riders can be assured their transit options are well-planned, matching increased travel patterns, staying current and reliable and remaining in top condition.”

2024 YRT System Performance highlights include: 

  • Ridership reached 23.7 million, a 12% increase from 2023, driven by more weekday school travel and weekend leisure trips
  • Ridership on YRT On-Request and Mobility On-Request Paratransit services increased by 25% to 133,244 and 416,996 riders, respectively
  • Despite changing travel patterns and increasing travel demand, YRT maintained top reliability; schedules were adjusted and on-time performance targets were met, reaching 93% for conventional YRT service, 96% for Viva and 93% for On-Request
  • Key initiatives were delivered, including 108 service improvements and the implementation of several technology and asset management-related programs to provide customers with safe and reliable transit services
  • The provincial One Fare Program eliminated double fares between YRT and TTC, resulting in 7.64 million cross-boundary trips (32.3% of YRT ridership)
  • YRT received $15.87 million in reimbursements from the Province to offset the free transfers
  • Cross-boundary trips increased by 27.6% as One Fare makes travel simpler and more affordable

Regional Council continues to advocate for continuation of the One Fare Program and funding beyond the initial 2-year term, which ends in March 2026.

"One Fare is the result of years of advocacy by York Regional Council and staff in collaboration with the Province, Metrolinx and other partner transit agencies. We see the immediate benefits and continue to push to make this a permanent program for residents," said Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas, Chair of Public Works - Transportation Services. "Closer to home, YRT continues enhancing customer service with new amenities like contactless payment, replacing or expanding buses and making upgrades to stops with more bike racks, waste bins and benches."

YRT’s ridership growth and financial sustainability continues to improve with Revenue to Cost Ratio approaching pre-pandemic levels and year over year ridership growth outpacing most peer transit agencies.

Key facts

  • YRT moves 86,000 travellers daily at over 4,700 bus stops, with 121 bus routes, travelling 29 million kilometres 
  • The highest weekday daily boardings are Tuesdays to Thursdays, primarily due to hybrid work
    • Under the One Fare Program, 7.64 million cross-boundary trips were made between YRT and the TTC
  • In 2024, the Region purchased an additional 80 battery electric buses as a part of the Zero Emission Transit Fund project and will begin to receive these buses in Q3 2026
    • In October 2024, York Region received $95.7 million over the next 10 years as part of the Canada Public Transit Fund
    • YRT staff received over 1,400 comments and completed surveys on planned 2025 service changes with 35 improvements identified
  • YRT received 6 awards for implementing artificial intelligence technology on YRT buses to automatically inspect bus stops and proactively develop work orders

For major YRT service alerts, news, travel tips and other relevant transit information, call 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978), visit yrt.ca or follow YRT on social media. You can also check out yrt.ca/livechat to chat live with a YRT Customer Service Representative. 

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

-30-

Media Contact

Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York 
Cell: 437-997-6821
Email: @email