What to know
- Kareem Rahma, host of the hit series Subway Takes, called Toronto’s PRESTO card “not as iconic” as New York’s MetroCard, sparking a wave of local reactions.
- Many Torontonians defend the card’s simple design, saying it’s understated and “more chill” compared to its New York counterpart.
- Critics say the physical PRESTO card is becoming redundant as fare capping and tap-to-pay with credit or debit cards make transit access easier without a card.
- Some riders still express concerns about the PRESTO card’s durability, noting that the design wears off over time and the card can crack with regular use.
Subway Takes’ host Kareem Rahma recently criticized Toronto’s PRESTO card, but locals are quick to defend its look, while others even considered ditching the physical card as a whole.
Emmy-nominated comedian Kareem Rahma is viral for asking people for their hot takes on the New York City subway. Now, Rahma is bringing his show to Toronto.
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The first of 14 Subway Takes Toronto episodes is yet to air, starting with Canadian comedian Mike Myers, whose interpretive dancing at Bloor-Yonge station went viral earlier this month.
During Subway Takes episodes, Rahma clips his microphone to a now-defunct Metrocard. Recently, he told eTalk in an interview that he’s planning to follow that same format in Toronto, but with the PRESTO Card instead.
“I’m not sure if I like the logo… PRESTO logo could use some work… It’s just not as iconic as the MetroCard,” he said in the video.
But these Torontonians don’t necessarily agree with his take.
Toronto resident Sal S. says he actually likes the PRESTO card.
“I know a lot of people have been comparing it to the MetroCard and how it’s more colourful… but I like the minimalistic design of the PRESTO card. It’s more chill; it’s not as flashy,” he told Now Toronto.
Toronto resident Ahmed E. agrees, saying “people are overreacting.”
“I think it’s kind of pretty. I think the New York ones are a lot nicer, but I mean, it’s ours, and we gotta accept it,” he said.
Ahmed added that it could be worse.
“It could be a lot more bland. At least we have two stripes of colours,” he joked.
But Toronto resident Rodrigo L. criticizes the card’s quality.
“I feel like they should be a little bit more durable, considering that over time, the design tends to wear off and starts to crack,” he told Now Toronto.
Though Rodrigo specified he does like the appearance.
“I like that it’s nothing too bright, nothing too dark. It’s kind of like an in-between,” he said.
Though a question Subway Takes’ Rahma forgot to ask: is it even useful to have a PRESTO card now that fare capping has been introduced — and works with credit or debit cards?
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‘The physical PRESTO card is kind of redundant’: Toronto residents say it’s time for the PRESTO card to go
Sal S. says he doesn’t even use the physical PRESTO card and said: “The physical PRESTO card is kind of redundant.”
“I have it on Apple Wallet…, but with fare capping, you don’t even need it,” he said. “It’s gonna become pretty redundant very soon because of the production costs and stuff that could lead to waste, when you can just have the online version.”
Ahmed says he’s used to the card, but says it’s not as useful.
“It is kind of dumb now,” he said.
