Regional fare integration is critical for the growth of robust and attractive urban transit systems, allowing for seamless travel and improving accessibility for urban populations where municipal boundaries are increasingly blurred or irrelevant in public perception. Examples of fare integration approaches globally provide insight into success factors and commonalities between successful regional fare integration models. This paper considers global best practices in fare integration, focusing on governance models, pricing schemes and operational strategies that facilitate effective implementation. Case studies from Canada including ARTM in Montréal and TransLink in Metro Vancouver, Europe including Switzerland's nationwide fare network and the Berlin-Brandenburg public transport association, and Sydney (Australia) Metro are analyzed to identify key drivers of success. _x000D_ _x000D_ This paper incorporates findings from a detailed desktop review of publicly available reports, academic sources, and transit agency websites, supplemented with interviews with individuals at transit agencies and consultations with a panel of transit industry professionals. This multifaceted approach aims to provide a thorough understanding of the governance structures, technology, fare schemes and operational strategies conducive to successful fare integration._x000D_ _x000D_ The analysis underscores the potential for Canadian regions to increase transit ridership, reduce congestion, and support sustainable, equitable, and user-friendly transit through effective fare integration strategies.
