Contactless Smart Cards, RFID, Payment, Transit and Security

Ailing Toronto Transit Commission pilots smart cards

Monday, January 25, 2010

After a fare hike, a massive subway shutdown, a ticket collectors scandal and a recent paper ticket refund debacle, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is piloting a smart card system called Presto to help restore the city’s ailing public transportation system, according to thestar.com.

As of now, the TTC still functions on a token system, which led to mass token hoarding after the announcement of a fare hike last year. Out of tokens, the TTC issued emergency paper tickets as a temporary fix, making riders pay 25 cents more per ride as a result and resulting in massive pile-ups at ticket counters.

To make it up to customers, TTC is now offering refunds for paper tickets through March 31.

For now, Presto is only operating a few TTC stations throughout Toronto, and several Greater Toronto Area (GTA) stops. Torontonians are expected to receive their Presto cards by 2013.

Read more here. [end] 

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