The pros and cons of a single “Presto” card access to the TTC faces riders as the transit service moves to eliminate tickets and tokens by 2017. The Presto card is a money-loadable instrument that permits a rider to tap access to the subway or buses much as she might tap to buy a coffee at Starbucks. The advantages to the TTC are clear — it will reduce costs and be more efficient at the ticket booths. Riders may find it a relief not to have to rummage for a token. On the other hand, Presto will become the sole means (other than cash in pocket) for access to the TTC. If it gets lost, it will be something of an inconvenience. As noted, it will still be possible to pay cash to ride, a sensible concession to occasional and affluent riders. But by the end of 2016 tokens and tickets will pretty be like the Canadian one cent coin. It appears there will also be a re-deployment of ticket collectors. The new system will take them out of booths and allow them to provide better customer service for commuters. Not too clear what that means. Children under 12 continue to ride the TTC for free but they will have to tap a Presto card which won’t have any cash value on it to use the service.
