Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) riders will be able to tap their debit and credit cards in lieu of PRESTO cards to pay for their fare starting this summer.
The transit agency along with the Ontario government say they are working to have the service ready for TTC riders in the coming months.
“The Ontario government, Metrolinx and the TTC are working in partnership to deliver these new, modern payment options as quickly as possible to riders on the TTC. To be ready for credit and debit payment, TTC devices require upgrading,” James Wattie, senior advisor of media relations and issues at Metrolinx, told Now Toronto in an email on Wednesday.
“We recently completed installing these new devices on TTC streetcars and buses, soon the faregates at TTC subways will be fully upgraded too. Come summer 2023, you’ll be able to tap your credit and debit card to pay your fare on the TTC,” he continued.
This comes after the government announced on Tuesday that transit riders can now pay for their commute with their debit card in place of their PRESTO cards on select systems across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Transit users can use their debit card to pay for their trip, including debit cards on smartphones and smartwatches, on applicable PRESTO systems including GO Transit as well as UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, MiWay in Mississauga, Oakville Transit and York Region Transit.
However, debit cards are not yet accepted on the TTC.
“This latest milestone for the PRESTO system gives transit riders yet another convenient payment option when travelling for work, school, leisure, and more,” Stan Cho, associate minister of transportation, said in the release.
“The launch of debit card payment on PRESTO devices is just one more way our government is making the transit experience easier for Ontarians,” he continued.
Since the launch of credit card payment in August 2022, PRESTO reports a million card taps on its devices.
