CLRVs, ALRVs getting ready with readers

PRESTO ON TTC

The installation of PRESTO smart card readers began in mid-September on the legacy CLRV and ALRV streetcar fleet.

A PRESTO reader is being installed at each streetcar doorway – two on CLRVs and three on ALRVs. These are the same green devices on the new accessible streetcars. But unlike the new cars, the legacy fleet won’t be equipped with fare/transfer machines.

The devices will be activated and available for revenue service sometime in November, the exact date will be confirmed soon. Until the smart card technology is turned on, a Coming Soon decal will be displayed on the device while the cars are running in service. Customers riding these vehicles will continue to pay at the farebox.

PRESTO equipment is expected to be fully operational on all legacy streetcars by the end of the year.

Until the entire streetcar network becomes a proof-of-payment/all-door boarding system, Operators are being requested to offer a transfer to all riders. Customers who tap on with PRESTO, and need to transfer to a bus, must have a paper transfer for proof of payment. PRESTO users transferring from streetcar-to-streetcar, streetcar-to-subway, or vice versa, should also get a transfer until the entire legacy streetcar network is PRESTO-enabled.

PRESTO on TTC currently deducts one Adult fare ($2.80) or one Senior/Student fare ($1.95).

PRESTO training for Operators and Transit Fare Inspectors began this month at Roncesvalles and Russell Divisions.

The new streetcars on the 509 Harbourfront and 510 Spadina streetcar routes are PRESTO enabled today, as well as the following 26 stations: Bathurst, Bloor-Yonge, Broadview, College, Davisville, Don Mills, Downsview, Dundas, Dundas West, Finch, Islington, King, Kipling, Museum, Osgoode, Queen, Queen’s Park, Scarborough Centre, Sheppard-Yonge, Spadina, St Andrew, St George, St Patrick, Union, Yorkdale and York Mills.  PRESTO Add Value machines, allowing PRESTO card holders to load value onto their PRESTO cards are also being rolled out and are expected to be available at all 26 PRESTO-enabled stations by the end of 2015.

Transit Fare Inspectors are able to check PRESTO cards for correct fare payment using hand-held devices. They also conduct patrols on the following POP routes: 501, 502, 503, 504, 509 and 510. POP isn’t available on the 505, 506, 511 or 512 routes.