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Public Transportation in Canada for International students

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 29,2024 05:08 PM IST

International students can save a lot of money while studying in Canada by using public transportation.
The average cost of public transport in Canada is 105 CAD per month.
The best Canadian city for public transport is Montreal.
Buses are the most popular transportation in Canada.

Public Transport in Canada for International Students.webp

Travelling will be an everyday experience for an international student while studying in Canada. That is why it's essential to figure out the public transportation system in Canada earlier. Along with saving money students also want to ensure their safety while travelling in Canada. Moreover, public transportation in Canada varies from city to city. All these things demand a dedicated blog that can solve these queries. Here is one which will help you explore all aspects of public transport in Canada for international students.

Benefits of Public Transport in Canada

From cost-effectiveness to environmental sustainability, the advantages of using public transportation in Canada are endless. Let’s see some of the best benefits of using public transport in Canada:

Public Transportation as a Student in Canada.webp

Cost Effective	Public transportation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to owning a personal vehicle. Students can reduce transportation expenses by opting for buses, trains, or subways while contributing to a cleaner environment by reducing their carbon footprint. With Canada's increased cost of living, public transport is the best option to reduce financial burden.
Environment-Friendly	Public transportation is eco-friendlier than cars, as it reduces carbon emissions per passenger. Using buses, trains, or subways can help reduce carbon footprint.
Time-Saving	Students can make the most of their travel time by using public transportation to read, study or catch up on assignments.
Health Benefits	Walking to transit promotes physical activity, benefiting cardiovascular health. Reducing car use mitigates air pollution and sedentary lifestyles.
Quality of life	Public transit improves quality of life by providing reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation options, freeing time for leisure and family activities.
Community Cohesion	Public transportation brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering community and reducing social isolation, particularly for marginalised groups.

Public Transport System in Canada

Canada has a well-developed public transportation network in its major cities, providing affordable options for international students. Some of the most common public transportation in Canada are:

Public Transport	Description
Buses	Buses are the most widely available public transport in Canada and are available for both within cities and intercity travel. For students' convenience, buses have air conditioners and washrooms. It is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Canada. Greyhound and its partners run the largest network of buses in Canada, and students can book tickets by calling.
Subway and Light Rail Systems	Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have subway and light rail systems, which are efficient public transport in Canada. Besides being efficient, these also provide extensive coverage.
Trains	The next public transport option in Canada is trains, which are available at regional and national levels. Trains are one of the most convenient ways of transportation for longer routes. International students can avail of student discounts and passes while travelling on trains.
Ferries	Students who want to explore coastal areas and nearby islands can use ferry services. This public transport in Canada connects different islands.

Public Transportation (City-Wise) in Canada

Each city in Canada has its own public transport system. Learning about the same will help students to know about the mobility options available in a specific city. The table below provides brief information on the type of transport options students can find in some of the popular Canadian cities:

City	Transport Types
Calgary	CTrain (light rail transit), Buses, and Community Shuttle Services
Edmonton	LRT (Light Rail Transit), Buses, and a Bike-Sharing Program
Halifax	Ferries, Buses, and a Bike-Sharing Program
Montreal	Metro, Buses, Commuter Trains, and BIXI Bike-sharing
Ottawa	O-Train (Light Rail Transit), Buses, and a Bike-Sharing Program
Quebec City	RTC (Réseau De Transport De La Capitale) Buses and Bike-Sharing Program
Toronto	Subway, Streetcars, Buses, and GO Transit
Vancouver	Sky Train, Sea Bus, West Coast Express, Buses, and Ferries
Victoria	British Columbia (BC) Transit Buses, Ferries, and a Bike-Sharing Program
Winnipeg	Winnipeg Transit Buses and a Bike-Sharing Program

Apart from cities, popular provinces in Canada also have different transport systems in one way or another. Let’s find out how:

Alberta: In Western Canada, Alberta offers bus and light rail services in cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Cycling is a popular option in Alberta, especially during the summer months. Calgary has many universities which offer bike-sharing programs to international students.
British Columbia: Public transit options in British Columbia are available in major cities such as Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna. The province is also a major transport hub between Asia Pacific and North America. Cycling is one of the popular and eco-friendly options in British Columbia. Moreover, Vancouver has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails. Further, many universities offer bike-sharing programs where students can rent a bike for a low cost.
Manitoba: Manitoba provides many public transportation options for international students. Winnipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, is also the primary transportation hub, as it has Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and a Winnipeg Bus Terminal that provide easy access to the city.
Ontario: Ontario, which consists of cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton, provides a variety of public transportation in Canada. It has the Toronto Transit Commission, which provides a reliable service throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). International students can get discounted monthly passes to reduce transportation costs. The next option is GO Transit, which connects GTA to other regions of Ontario. It has various ticket options, like single-ride tickets, day passes, and monthly passes.
Quebec: Quebec, the largest province in Canada, provides many public transportation options. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is the primary public transit system in the province, operating buses and a metro system in Montreal. It is the second busiest metro system in Montreal, comprising 68 stations. Students can get their monthly pass at a discounted rate and use this public transportation in Canada.

Public Transport Discounts & Passes for Students in Canada

Canada offers various discounts and passes to international students to provide affordable public transport in Canada. Let’s see what are the different discounts and passes:

Student Transit Passes	Many cities in Canada offer discounts exclusively to international students. With these passes, students can travel unlimited for a specific period of time at a reduced price.
Student Presto Card	The Student Presto Card is a convenient and reloadable payment card for public transportation in some specific regions. International students can get this card at a discounted rate when using public transport in Canada.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)	The ISIC is a globally recognised card that provides various discounts and benefits, such as discounted transportation fares. International students can obtain this card to take advantage of these discounts.

Public Transport Safety Tips for Students in Canada

Students planning to study in Canada after their 12th might face some challenges while travelling there. Everything will be new, and it's obvious to feel unsafe while taking public transport in Canada. To tackle this problem, here are some safety tips for international students while using public transportation in Canada:

Stay Informed	Travel during off-peak hours: It's best to avoid travelling during rush hours when public transportation in Canada is typically more crowded. Opting for off-peak times can help reduce congestion, making students' journeys more comfortable and safe.
Be aware of your surroundings	When waiting at bus stops, train stations, or transit terminals, it is important to remain attentive and alert. Students must avoid distractions like using their phones excessively or wearing headphones at high volume, as these can make them less aware of potential hazards.
Use well-lit stops	When students are waiting for public transportation, it's recommended that they choose stops or stations that are well-lit, especially if they're travelling during the evening or night. They should stand in visible areas and avoid secluded or poorly lit areas where safety risks may be higher.
Respect social distancing	When social distancing is recommended or required, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to keep a safe distance from other passengers. Students must be mindful of their surroundings and maintain a safe distance to protect themselves and those around them.

Cost of Public Transport in Canada

The cost of public transport in Canada will depend on the type of transport international students choose. Going with Numbeo, the average cost of public transport in Canada is 105 CAD per month. The cost of public transport will also vary depending on the city in which students live. In the following table, students can see the cost of public transport in different cities in Canada:

City	Single Fair (Adult)	Multiple Fair (Adult)
Calgary (Calgary Transit)	CAD 3.60	CAD 112.00
Edmonton (Edmonton Transit)	CAD 3.50	CAD 100.00
Toronto (TTC)	CAD 3.35	CAD 156.00
Montreal (STM)	CAD 3.75	CAD 97.00
Ottawa (OC Transpo)	CAD 3.85	CAD 128.75
Vancouver (TransLink)	(Depends on Zone) Starts at CAD 3.25	(1-Zone) CAD 104.90
Winnipeg (Winnipeg Transit)	CAD 3.15	CAD 107.80

Note: The above figures are just estimates and are subject to change.

Conclusion

International students who want to study in Canada have to sort out many things before starting their studies. One of the major concerns every student has is about public transportation in Canada. The questions that usually trouble them are what is the best public transport in Canada, what will be the cost, how to book tickets, and how to be safe while travelling. But now no more troubling, as this blog has revealed all the essential details about public transport in Canada. Still, if students have any doubts then study abroad consultants at Canam are ready to guide them.

FAQ

Is public transport free for international students in Canada?

Public transport in Canada is not free for international students; however, students can avail of discounts and monthly passes to lower costs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport in Canada?

One of the cheapest modes of transport in Canada is buses. Several bus companies offer this service in Canada, such as Greyhound, Flixbus, and Ebus.

How much is public transportation in Canada?

The average cost of public transportation in Canada is 105 CAD per month, but it may vary depending on the type of transport and the city.

Can students pay cash for buses in Canada?

Yes, students can pay by cash while using the bus.

Do students need ID to take a bus in Canada?

All students over 18 must travel with a government-issued photo I.D.

Which city in Canada has the best public transit?

Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, has one of the best-developed public transportation systems.

What are the benefits of using public transportation in Canada?

The benefits of using public transportation in Canada are time-saving, cost-saving, and environment-friendly.

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Public Transportation in Canada for International students

Table of Contents

Benefits of Public Transport in Canada

Public Transport System in Canada

Public Transportation (City-Wise) in Canada

Public Transport Discounts & Passes for Students in Canada

Public Transport Safety Tips for Students in Canada

Cost of Public Transport in Canada

Conclusion

FAQ

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