The Presto Revolution

June 26, 2007 - A new era of riding public transit began today by the introduction of the Presto smart card - Canada's first electronic, fare-calculating transit smart card that will enable riders to simply pay fares through a tap of a wallet-size credit card.

I don't think I need to explain how the card works, since many cities around the world, including Hong Kong and London (two case studies that the developers of Presto drew heavily from), have been using similar technology for years. The pilot phase of Presto involves GO commuters who travel between Meadowvale or Cooksville station and Union Station. Commuters can also use their Presto cards on Mississauga transit buses to and from the two GO stations, and also at TTC's Union Station. Eventually by 2010, commuters can then use Presto across the GTA, with the exception of the TTC (where only 5 stations will have such facilities).

Certainly the Presto card is a start in integrating our often fragmented transit system (having to keep two types of tickets and passes whenever a municipal boundary is crossed is not very convenient for transit riders). However, the TTC is still very hesitant in using such technology and without the TTC's full participation, Presto will not be widely used.

Also, even with Presto, commuters will still have to pay multiple fares (i.e. whenever you transfer from one transit agency to another). What is really needed, in addition to a smart card, is fare integration - we need to develop a new pricing scheme for transit service across the GTA. For example, it's ridiculous that someone from Etobicoke to Scarborough pays only 1 fare on the TTC for a journey across the city, but for someone going from John Street to Sheppard Station, two fares are required (for a shorter journey). Why not bring back a zone system and integrate all the transit services under the GTTA brand?

Wow - this post is becoming too much like a work discussion! Anyway, it's a great first step - and they did develop a pretty cool website to help launch the card. Too bad I don't live anywhere near Meadowvale or Cooksville, or else I would totally sign up to be a Presto user!