TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission has decided to enter into talks to adopt the Presto smart card payment system across its transit line.
Presto is already in use by GO Transit, and is soon to go online with both York and Durham Region Transit.
The smart card lets riders simply tap their card on a console to gain access to the transit system, with fares automatically being deducted from the card. Not only does that save transit riders from having to carry tokens or tickets on their person, but it will also allow them to go from system to system using only their one Presto card.
The previous leadership of the TTC had originally rejected the idea, saying it preferred to adopt an open system instead, which would allow credit and debit cards in addition to Presto cards.
But it seems Presto has now made concessions, taking the TTC’s preference for an open system to heart.
Presto now says it will incorporate that open payment system along with its own Presto cards.
The TTC says its goal is to have every bus, streetcar and subway station Presto-ready by 2015.
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