New TTC streetcars to begin taking Presto this month on Spadina line
Metrolinx is still not offering specific dates or details for the launch, but rollout will be gradual across the system, with machines on board to provide transfers.

thestar.com
Nov. 11, 2014
By Tess Kalinowski

Metrolinx has confirmed that the first of the TTC’s new streetcars will be equipped with Presto card readers by the end of the month. But the exact timing remains unclear.

“We are finalizing the launch date with the TTC. Once that is done, it will be communicated,” said Metrolinx spokeswoman Anne Marie Aikins.

TTC CEO Andy Byford reported in April that Metrolinx would have Presto aboard the new streetcars by Nov. 3 and that a schedule for the first phase of the Presto launch on the system had been determined.

The TTC had earlier reported that Phase 1 of the Presto launch would continue through 2015. This week, however, TTC officials referred questions to Metrolinx and Aikins did not provide any specifics on timing.

Even when the Presto machines begin appearing on streetcars, riders won’t wake up and find the system dramatically modernized. The roll-out will be gradual and paper transfers will still be required.

Metrolinx has found that introducing Presto gradually leads to a more positive customer experience, said Aikins. Initially, the electronic card readers will only be installed on the two new streetcars running on Spadina Ave. Eventually Harbourfront, Dundas and Bathurst cars will get them. But it’s not clear when that will happen.

Streetcar patrons can tap their card once on one of six on-board readers. But if they want to transfer to another TTC vehicle they have to go to one of two transfer machines on the streetcar and tap their card twice - once to pay, once to receive a transfer as proof of payment.

It’s the same as using Presto on the subway, said Aikins. Riders still have to take a paper transfer to move to a surface vehicle. Presto is already available at 14 subway stations. A further 11 downtown stations will be added as part of the first phase of the TTC launch. Aikins could not say when that will be.

The TTC’s Presto readers will eventually be enabled to accept other forms of payment including debit and credit cards or payment through a cellphone. But that feature won’t be part of Phase 1, she said.

Presto taps account for about 40,000 TTC fare payments on an average weekday - only about 2 per cent of the 1.7 million rides the system carries each day, said TTC spokesman Brad Ross.

“TTC customers have been asking for a modern and convenient method of fare payment,” he said. “We look forward to working with Presto to deliver just that.”