The strange workings of the TTC will now see the transit agency hire “undercover fare inspectors” of all things in order to make sure people pay their fares. This is another streetcar issue. The shortfall in revenue occurs because of non-payment (as much as $20 million). It starts with mobs of people standing in the street to get on the tram. They’re out there blocking traffic, along with the streetcar, because the tracks are in the middle of the road. So the TTC loads people by all doors and many of them don’t pay. What a surprise.
HOW ABOUT PORTABLE PRESTO SCANNERS
No one can cheat on his fare on the 88 Leaside bus or the Yonge subway. One would have to be an invisible acrobat to get over the gate. But we have streetcars in Toronto. Since it’s digital 2016, how about designing portable, wireless Presto scanners? They could be held at the doors of the streetcars by some of the TTC employees who are now sent home early. Three or four to a streetcar. Or would that be a “not my job” issue at union hall?
