By Amanda Nasturzio, Senior Program Manager
Brampton, the Flower City, is the seventh most populous city in Canada, and the second most populous city in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) behind Toronto.
Brampton has a growing public transit system that as of 2024 has a ridership of 49,200,800 per year (which is an equivalent to 226,500 on weekdays). The expansion of the transit system has allowed residents to get around the city and the GTHA more conveniently and affordably.
Interested in exploring what the Flower City has to offer? This guide will cover the basics of Brampton’s transit system and the services it provides, as well as payment options and accessibility to help you navigate the city.
Brampton Transit & Züm
Brampton Transit is the main transportation service provider in the city, with connections to other transit systems such as MiWay (Mississauga), York Region Transit (Vaughan), GO Transit (Halton, Toronto) and the TTC (Toronto).
Brampton Transit also operates a rapid transit system called “Züm” (pronounced Zoom). Züm operates along the following streets: Main/Hurontario Streets, Queen Street/Highway 7, Queen Street West–Mississauga Road, Steeles Avenue, and Bovaird Drive–Airport Road. Züm provides limited-stop services along these major service corridors connecting Brampton to its neighbouring municipalities.
GO Bus & Train
Brampton also has three GO Transit Stations that help commuters connect to neighbouring cities. The stations include:
1. Bramalea GO – 1713 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton, ON:
Bramalea GO Station has accessible train/bus services, bicycle racks, heated shelters, reserved parking options, carpool parking options, and public WIFI. Connections with Brampton Transit and MiWay.
2. Brampton Innovation District GO – 27 Church Street West, Brampton, ON:
Brampton Innovation District GO has accessible train/bus services, bicycle racks, heated shelters, reserved parking options, carpool parking options, public WIFI and ATMs. Connections with Brampton Transit and VIA Rail.
3. Mount Pleasant GO Station – 1600 Bovaird Drive West, Brampton, ON:
Mount Pleasant GO Station has accessible train/bus services, bicycle racks, heated shelters, reserved parking options, and carpool parking options. Connections with Brampton Transit.
GO Transit uses PRESTO which are available for purchase at GO stations using the ticket vending machines or at Union Station (Toronto). They can also be purchased online at prestocard.ca; at participating transit agencies; and also at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations. And you can also purchase tickets online. When riding GO buses and trains you will need to tap your PRESTO card at the beginning AND the end of your journey. If you don’t tap off when exiting the bus or train it will continue to charge your PRESTO until you next use your card.
You can also bring your bikes and e-bikes on GO buses and trains, but there are a few rules you must follow:
- Bikes/E-bikes are NOT allowed on trains arriving at Union Station between 6:30-9:30am (peak morning rush hour).
- Bikes/E-bikes are NOT allowed on leaving Union Station between 3:30-6:30pm (peak afternoon rush hour).
- Foldable bicycles are allowed on buses/trains anytime if folded up.
- Only traditional bicycle-style e-bikes are allowed on trains and buses (pedal-driven with exposed fork-and-frame appearance). Weight limits do apply with a maximum 55kg on trains and max 25kg on buses with the battery removed. E-bikes that resemble motor scooters, mopeds, or motorcycles are NOT permitted on-board buses or trains, on station platforms or in tunnels.
- All e-bike batteries must meet the Standard UL or CE requirements and are subject to inspection by any GO Transit staff before boarding.
- On GO buses, all batteries must be removed before loading e-bikes onto the bike racks (at the front of the bus) and must be carried with you.
E-Scooter Pilot Program
Brampton has over 900 e-scooter rentals throughout the city, offering a sustainable and easy way to get around. They also offer designated scooter parking in high-traffic areas along with free-floating parking zones.
To rent an e-scooter and check for available parking, use the apps offered by Brampton’s partner operators:
- Neuron: Black and orange scooters
- Bird Canada: Silver and blue scooters
- SCOOTY: Black and yellow scooters
All operators offer dynamic pay-per-ride pricing, where rates change based on real-time ridership levels. Alternatively, they offer 3-day, weekly, and monthly pass options.
Please note that scooters have a speed limit of 24km/h, are only allowed on roads with a speed limit of 50km/hr, multi-use paths, and trails (no sidewalks). Helmets are strongly encouraged, and are required for riders under 18 years old.
For more information on the city’s pilot e-scooter project, click here.
Fares and Payments
Brampton Transit is a pay-as-you-board system with entry by cash, contactless credit/debit card, PRESTO card or a valid transfer. Brampton Transit also provides different passes for riders including: weekly passes, monthly passes, free annual ridership pass for seniors, and a Veteran Pass.
If you are paying with cash the fare is $4.75, and exact change is needed. You can also request a 2-hour paper transfer from the transit operator. If you are paying by contactless credit or debit card the fare is $4.75, and you can use MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Interac. You will receive a 2-hour electronic transfer when paying via contactless card.
PRESTO card holders receive a small discount on transit fares.
| Fare Type | Adult(20-64 yrs) | Youth (13-19 yrs) | Senior(65 yrs +) | Child (6-12 yrs) | Preschool Child(5 yrs and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Pass | $3.55 | $2.95 | $1.85 | $2.00 | Free |
The weekly and monthly passes are available on PRESTO cards and can be loaded on at transit stations.
| Fare Type | Adult(20-64 yrs) | Youth (13-19 yrs) | Senior(65 yrs +) | Child (6-12 yrs) | Preschool Child(5 yrs and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Pass | $39.50 | $31.75 | N/A | $22.00 | Free |
| Monthly Pass | $148.50 | $123.75 | N/A | $84.00 | Free |
To learn more about fares visit the Brampton Transit Fare Guide.
Free annual ridership pass for seniors is a program for all Brampton residents over the age of 65 years of age. The free annual pass will be loaded onto your PRESTO card all you need is a Brampton Transit Senior Identification Card which you can obtain at Bramalea Terminal, Clark Facility or the Sandalwood Facility. You can also obtain the Senior Identification Card by completing an online form on the Brampton Transit website.
The Veteran Pass Program offers free ridership for all veterans living in Brampton. You must present your Brampton Transit Veteran Pass to the transit operator every time you board a bus in order to ride for free. If you require a transfer to continue your commute, please ask the transit operator when you first board. To apply for the Veteran Pass there is an online application that you can fill out. More information on the Veteran Pass can be found online.
Accessibility
All Brampton Transit and Züm buses are fully accessible and are equipped with low floors, an extendable ramp, and reserved priority areas for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. If you require the ramp to be lowered, ask the transit operator. It’s always good practice to ensure that you are waiting on a flat open space to allow the ramp to be lowered. You may need to wait at least 6 feet away from the bus in order for the ramp to be lowered safely for your entry. While passengers are responsible for the safe maneuvering of their mobility devices, any support persons or workers accompanying the passenger rides for free. As mentioned above, there are reserved priority areas located at the front of the bus. The transit operator will ensure the priority seats are raised up to allow for your mobility device to reverse into the space. If you need any additional assistance, the transit operator is always there to help! And to ensure a smooth commute, let the transit operator know what your stop is so that they are prepared to assist your disembarkment. If you forgot to let the transit operator know what stop you were heading to, no worries, just make sure you press the yellow stop strip that is located on the raised bus seats. You will be exiting at the front of the bus so make sure that you are waiting behind the transit operator’s seating area while they deploy the ramp.
Wondering about service animals? Service animals are permitted on all Brampton Transit buses. Service animals must be clearly identified (a harness or vest). Service animals must not block the bus aisle. Whenever possible, larger service animals should be placed on the floor between the rider’s knees so that the person’s legs are giving extra stability while the bus is in motion.
To learn more about accessibility check out these resources:
- Accessible Service – Brampton Transit
- City of Brampton | Planning and Development | Transportation Planning
