UP Express now free for Canadian veterans and Armed Forces members
Metrolinx now offers year-round complimentary travel on the UP Express for veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. Bring valid military ID instead of tapping PRESTO.
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By Torontoer Staff
Metrolinx now provides year-round free travel on the UP Express to Canadian veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The change, effective Jan. 1, lets eligible travellers ride between Toronto Pearson Airport and Union Station without paying a fare.
The move expands the free-transit program Metrolinx introduced last year for GO Transit services, and applies to active regular and reserve force members as well as veterans.
Who is eligible
Eligibility covers serving Canadian Armed Forces members, reserve force members and veterans. Approved forms of identification are required to access the free UP Express service.
- Permanent Canadian Forces Identification Card
- Canadian Armed Forces Veteran Service Card
- Temporary National Defence Identification Card
How to ride for free
Passengers do not need to tap a PRESTO card to board the UP Express. Instead, present a valid military or veteran ID to a fare inspector when asked. If you cannot show the specific Veteran Service Card, other accepted identification for serving members should suffice.
- Carry one of the accepted forms of identification.
- Board the UP Express without tapping PRESTO.
- Present your ID to a fare inspector if requested.
Companions and family
On Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, and on Warriors' Day, observed the first Sunday of the Canadian National Exhibition, veterans and serving members may bring one companion free of charge. Immediate family members of deceased veterans can also ride for free, provided they present documentation that verifies their relationship, such as service papers or an identification card.
Background and scale
The UP Express extension builds on Metrolinx's earlier policy to make GO Transit services free for veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members. According to the 2021 Census, just over 461,000 Canadians identified as veterans, so the expanded free-transit access affects a substantial population across the region.
How to get a Veteran Service Card
If you do not already have a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran Service Card, you can apply through Veterans Affairs Canada. The card verifies veteran status and is accepted by transit agencies participating in veteran and serving member programs. Allow time for processing before relying on the card for travel.
Practical considerations
Keep a physical copy of your ID while travelling, since fare inspectors will request to see it. If you plan to travel with a companion on the designated free days, arrive early to allow time for any checks. The policy applies only to the UP Express segment between Pearson and Union; other transit routes follow their own fare rules unless covered by Metrolinx's separate GO Transit policy.
For more details about acceptable identification and application procedures, consult Metrolinx and Veterans Affairs Canada websites before you travel.
The extension of free UP Express travel removes a cost barrier for many veterans and serving members and aligns airport rail service with existing GO Transit benefits. Travellers should confirm requirements ahead of trips and carry proper documentation to avoid delays.
MetrolinxveteransUP ExpresstransportationCanadian Armed Forces
