Waterloo Region has a modern public transit system that includes buses and light rail. Grand River Transit (GRT) connects Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, with the ION Light Rail as the backbone of the system.
Grand River Transit (GRT) Overview
- Service area: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge
- Fleet: 250+ buses, 35 MobilityPlus vehicles, 15 light rail vehicles
- Website: grt.ca
Fares (2025/2026)
| Fare Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash fare | $4.00 | Exact change required on buses |
| EasyGO / GRT Pay | $3.00 | 25% savings vs. cash |
| Monthly pass | $104.00 | Unlimited rides |
| Day pass | Available via GRT Pay | Unlimited daily rides |
Affordable Transit Program (ATP)
Low-income residents can receive a 55% discount on fares:
- EasyGO stored value: $1.35 per ride (vs. $3.00)
- Monthly pass: $47.00 (vs. $104.00)
- Eligibility: Anyone in Waterloo Region living with low income
How to Pay
EasyGO Fare Card
The EasyGO card is a reusable smart card that makes paying fares fast and easy.
Getting an EasyGO Card
- Cost: $4.00 (can preload with $10 value for $14 total)
- Where to buy:
- GRT Customer Service: 105 King St E, Kitchener
- Ainslie Street Terminal: 35 Ainslie St S, Cambridge
- Fare vending machines at ION stations
- Online: grteasygofarecard.ca
Using your card:
- Tap on the blue target on the farebox (buses) or platform reader (ION)
- Remove from wallet to avoid interference with other cards
- Keep your card - it's your proof of payment
Register your card to protect your balance if lost or stolen. Registered cards can also go slightly negative for one ride if you run out of value.
GRT Pay App
Buy tickets on your phone using the GRT Pay app. Available for single rides, day passes, and group passes.
Transfers
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours) of unlimited rides
- How it works: Transfer is loaded on your EasyGO card or issued as paper when you pay cash
- Valid on: All GRT buses and ION light rail
ION Light Rail
The ION Light Rail (Route 301) is the rapid transit spine connecting north Waterloo to south Kitchener.
ION Quick Facts
- Route: Conestoga Mall (Waterloo) to Fairview Park Mall (Kitchener)
- Length: 19 km with 19 stations
- Travel time: ~46 minutes end-to-end
- Frequency: Every 10 minutes (6am-10pm weekdays), 15 minutes at other times
- Hours: 5am - midnight daily
All 19 ION Stations (North to South)
Waterloo
- Conestoga (northern terminus)
- Northfield
- Research and Technology
- University of Waterloo
- Laurier-Waterloo Park
- Willis Way
- Waterloo Public Square
- Allen
Kitchener
- Grand River Hospital
- Central
- Kitchener City Hall
- Victoria Park
- Frederick
- Queen
- Kitchener Market
- Borden
- Mill
- Block Line
- Fairway (southern terminus)
Service to Cambridge
The LRT doesn't reach Cambridge yet, but rapid bus service connects the systems:
- ION Bus (Route 302): Connects Fairway Station to Ainslie Street Terminal in Cambridge
- Bus-only lanes: At Pinebush, Munch, and Coronation to minimize delays
Coming Soon: Stage 2 to Cambridge
In November 2025, Regional Council approved extending LRT to Cambridge. Stage 2 will add 17 km and 7 new stations, bringing light rail to downtown Cambridge.
Route Types
GRT routes are numbered to help you understand the type of service:
- Under 100: Local bus routes (frequent stops)
- 100s: Express routes (limited stops, faster)
- 200s: iXpress rapid bus routes
- 300s: ION (301 = Light Rail, 302 = ION Bus to Cambridge)
Trip Planning
Plan your trips using:
- GRT Website: Trip planner at grt.ca
- Transit App: Real-time arrival information and trip planning
- Google Maps: Includes GRT routes and schedules
Transit Tips for New Residents
- Get an EasyGO card - you'll save 25% on every ride
- Register your card online to protect your balance
- Download the Transit app for real-time arrivals
- ION is fare-paid before boarding - tap at platform readers
- If you take transit 5+ days/week, a monthly pass saves money
- Check if you qualify for the Affordable Transit Program