Ontario Highway 407 is officially expanding its Route Relief Program in 2026, meaning low-income drivers could get an extra 24 free rides per year.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, eligible drivers will receive up to eight free trips every month (up from six) as part of the company’s goal to make travel across the GTA more accessible for those strapped for cash.
While participants could get 72 free rides under the program this year, the expansion means low-income drivers can benefit from 96 free rides throughout 2026.
The program was launched back in November 2024 and is the first 407 ETR financial assistance program to offer monthly trips for a 12-month period. Over the course of the program, the company says it’s helped more than 2,800 drivers and offered more than $1 million in free travel.
“We’ve heard from seniors, single mothers and students who’ve told us how much Route Relief has made a difference in their lives,” says John Galibert, Vice President, Customer Operations. “To amplify its impact, we’re making the program even better by adding 24 free trips each year.”
The program is only open to Ontario residents who meet the eligibility criteria, which include submitting proof of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage documents), proof of plate ownership (plate permit), proof of income (Notice of Assessment for the most recent tax year), as well as a completed 407 ETR Privacy Consent Form.
You must also be a resident of Ontario, have a personal licence plate registered in your name that is not used for business, have no outstanding balance with 407 ETR, not be currently enrolled in a 407 ETR promotion, and have a household size and income that meet the eligibility requirements.
The income eligibility requirements for the program. Source: 407 ETR.
Once enrolled, drivers will receive automatic credits for up to eight trips per month on the highway beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Drivers can be enrolled for one year and have the option to renew each year.
Ontario Highway 407 also offers other programs for those facing financial hardships, including the Repayment Assistance Program, Exceptional Hardship Program, and the Financial Hardship Program.
