York Region Transit ridership increased by 36% to 21.1 million in 2023

May 07, 2024
Key initiatives included over 100 service improvements, new electric buses, a new transit terminal in the City of Vaughan and launching PRESTO contactless payment

Newmarket – Well-planned transit services help shape and connect communities. The York Region Transit (YRT) 2023 System Performance Report highlights exemplary service reliability and accomplishments.

“York Regional Council’s ongoing commitment to public transit ensures safe and reliable transportation,” said Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and CEO. “YRT’s continued innovative services reflect our responsiveness to growing ridership, changing travel patterns and diversifying community needs.”

Driven by more travel for work, school and leisure, 2023 ridership reached 21.1 million, a 36% increase over 2022 ridership. On-Request and Mobility On-Request services also saw significant increases of 40% to 106,419 and 47% to 333,978, respectively.

YRT remains highly reliable amidst changing travel demands with adjusted schedules, meeting on-time performance targets with 93% for conventional service, 97% for Viva and 94% for Mobility On-Request.

“Balancing increasing ridership, reliability and innovative initiatives show investments in the system are working,” said Town of Aurora Mayor, Tom Mrakas, Chair of Public Works - Transportation Services. “YRT continues to enhance customer service, advocate for affordability, lower emissions and ensure assets are in good repair for generations to come.”

2023 fare revenue totalled $72 million due to ridership growth, compared to $53 million in 2022. Cost recovery was impacted by resuming services, inflation and fuel prices and a fare increase freeze. The approved 2024 operating budget also includes a 3% annual transit fare increase in July 2024.

Key initiatives in traveller experience and sustainability included 123 service improvements, two new electric buses, opening Major Mackenzie West Terminal in the City of Vaughan, launching PRESTO contactless payment and PRESTO in Google Wallet and completing several fleet and facilities asset management programs.

Key Facts

  • York Region owns and operates a fleet of buses, vehicles and on-street infrastructure, including 440 conventional and 90 Bus Rapid Transit buses, 3 operations, maintenance and storage facilities, 30 On-Request vehicles, 87 curbside vivastations, 76 Rapidway vivastations and 7 terminals
  • Over the last year, York Region worked closely with the Ontario government and other Greater Toronto Area transit agencies to support the One Fare Program; as of February 2024, customers no longer must pay a double fare between YRT and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
  • York Region received approval through the Government of Canada Zero Emission Transit Fund, including a $76 million grant and a low-interest loan of up to $137 million, to support purchasing 180 electric buses and associated infrastructure, accelerating fleet electrification goals by 10 years

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 @YRTviva 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

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Media Contact

Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 905-251-6412
[email protected]