Innovative On-Demand Transit Service Debuts in Brampton
The City of Brampton has become the latest Canadian municipality to embrace next-generation transit solutions with the launch of Argo Corporation's Smart Routing™ pilot service. Beginning November 26, 2025, residents in downtown Brampton can request on-demand transit rides through the user-friendly Argo app, marking a significant advancement in urban mobility for one of Canada's fastest-growing cities.
This landmark 12-month pilot program represents a collaboration between Argo, Brampton Transit, and Metrolinx, featuring seamless integration with existing public transit networks and the PRESTO fare payment system. The service will operate weekdays from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, providing flexible transportation options in the downtown core.
Seamless Connections and Electric Fleet
Argo's innovative approach uses Smart Routing™ technology to pick up passengers near their locations using fully electric Argo X1 buses. The system provides real-time connections to both Brampton Transit routes and GO Transit networks, effectively solving the first-mile and last-mile challenge that often discourages public transit use.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "Brampton is shaping the future of urban transit, and innovations like Argo's Smart Routing™ are helping us create a city that moves smarter, faster, and greener." The mayor also acknowledged Ontario's Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, and the Ministry of Transportation for supporting PRESTO integration across Argo's electric fleet.
Proven Success and PRESTO Integration
The Brampton pilot builds on Argo's demonstrated success in other Ontario communities. In the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, the Smart Routing™ system more than doubled average daily transit ridership and drove a 5.5x increase in monthly transit connections to the Bradford GO Station.
A key feature of the Brampton service is the full integration with the PRESTO fare system. Through an agreement with Metrolinx, PRESTO fare collection devices owned by Brampton Transit have been installed on Argo's X1 electric buses. This enables seamless fare integration for transfers to and from Brampton Transit and GO Transit under Ontario's One Fare Program, eliminating the need for multiple payments.
Heidi Dempster, General Manager of Brampton Transit, commented, "Brampton Transit is proud to be leading the way in transit innovation within our robust existing network. The launch of Argo's on-demand service in Brampton gives residents a modern first- and last-mile solution."
Praveen Arichandran, CEO and co-founder of Argo, highlighted Brampton's significance as a testing ground, noting that "The City of Brampton is home to one of the most robust and fastest-growing transit networks in North America." He added that the partnership demonstrates Brampton Transit's commitment to innovation and will show how Smart Routing™ can augment existing transit services in a major urban center.
The service is now available for download through the Argo Transit app, offering Brampton residents a new, convenient, and environmentally friendly transportation option that complements the city's existing transit infrastructure while supporting the region's sustainability goals.
