The Toronto Transit Commission is introducing temporary tickets and suspending bulk token sales until increased fares take effect in January.
The move is designed help prevent the loss of more than $5-million in revenues from token hoarding. Despite limits on token purchases, commuters have been buying the silver tokens in advance of the fare hike to save money.
“TTC riders have been understandably frustrated by the current token restriction,” said Adam Giambrone, chair of the TTC. “By issuing temporary tickets, the TTC has found a way to allow customers to buy bulk fares in the short term.
“The announcement today alleviates customer frustrations, and also allows the TTC to ensure it doesn’t lose, potentially, millions of dollars in much-needed revenue.”
First introduced 88 years ago, adult paper tickets for the TTC were eliminated in September in 2008 because of counterfeiting. The problem had cost the TTC and taxpyaers an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 a month in lost revenue at times.
The new temporary tickets will be on sale until Jan. 2, 2010. In the new year, however, TTC riders will be required to add a quarter to the farebox along with each ticket to match the new adult fare of $2.50.
The tickets will cost the same as the current token price: five for $11.25, or 10 for $22.50.
Single tokens will still be available for purchase from the transit system’s vending machines.
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