Contactless Smart Cards, RFID, Payment, Transit and Security

Toronto's smart card system goes live

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has finally launched its long-anticipated smart card transit system, according to thestar.com.

After four years of waiting, conctactless Presto cards are now being accepted at the Oakville GO station, which sees about 12,000 passengers a day, and will soon be implemented in the rest of Go Transit’s Lakeshore West corridor.

Under the new system, users can load money onto their Presto cards and pay for fares by tapping them against green readers installed in stations and on buses.

According to thestar.com, Toronto transit officials are still considering other fare systems, including one that would allow riders to pay using credit cards.

“The TTC is having another conversation about an open payment system. We’re moving ahead with the Presto system and if at a later date there’s interest in new technology we can have that conversation,” Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne said at the system’s inauguration.

The entire system is expected to be in place by late 2011.

Read more here. [end] 

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