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Just swipe and ride with new Presto electronic farecard By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 3 · Wednesday, May 12, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com It's not magic, but it might be the next best thing. Local politicians, GO Transit officials and Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne gathered outside the Oakville GO Station Monday to announce the arrival of the Presto Farecard system. The system, which is said to offer greater convenience to transit riders, is now in effect on Oakville Transit, Burlington Transit, GO Transit's Lakeshore West GO rail line and the TTC's Bloor/Yonge, College, Dundas, Queen's Park, St. George and St. Patrick subway stations. Eventually, Presto is expected to be active in nine municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas and in Ottawa. Presto is an electronic farecard, which is intended to make it easier for people to pay their fare when moving within and between transit systems. With Presto, transit riders put a balance on their Presto card and then use that card to pay when getting on a bus, transferring or moving to a different type of transit system, like the GO train. Instead of using multiple tickets or passes to get from destination to destination, a rider now only requires one card. This also allows for convenient payment. A rider just has to ensure there is a balance on the card and then tap it against the card reader on the bus or at the station. "This is going to be very very important for people who travel these routes. It's going to make their lives much easier," said Wynne. "Today we've reached another milestone in our goal to make it easier to use transit and get more cars off the road." Wynne said farecard technology is tried and true with farecard systems already in place in London, England, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Seattle and Holland. ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER SWIPE AND RIDE: Ontario Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne swipes her Presto Farecard to ride on an Oakville Transit Bus on Monday. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn spoke about the how Presto is expected to make commuting a more seamless experience. "It's easy to use a Farecard. I think even I can use it. You just tap it, you walk by, you show it to the machine, it recognizes it and you march right in. I don't think there's any lineups, no waits," said Flynn. "Public transit riders don't have to worry about having exact change. They're not searching in their pockets for tickets. It really delivers, I think, on our government's commitment to make transit a viable option, to make transit something that people really want to do." Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said he is happy Oakville could be a pioneer participant in the Presto system as it promotes council's commitment to increase the personal mobility of Oakville's residents. "We spend more on our roads than anything else and transit is the way we make our roads accessible to everybody," he said. "I know some people in town find it strange to hear, but not everybody in town can drive a car and as a result we have to do something and transit is that something to make sure that everyone who pays for the roads gets to use them." Burton said transit use in Oakville is on the rise and is up four per cent over last year. Burlington Councillor Jack Dennison stole a little bit of of the mayor's thunder by stating Burlington Transit use among residents was up 10 per cent. The Presto project is expected to cost the Town more than $2.4 million. The Town intends to fund its share of the Presto system development with gas tax revenues, provided by the Province, and not rely on any tax-supported budget funding. Oakville Transit Services Director Barry Cole has previously said this gas tax funding, which the Province is only willing to supply if Oakville participates in the Presto program, has covered all costs associated with the Presto program to date with the exception of $164,000. The Town has not ruled out the possibility the gas tax will eventually cover this shortfall. The next phase of the Presto rollout will take place in the summer with Presto being introduced to Go Transit's Georgetown and Milton rail lines as well as the TTC Kipling and Islington subway stations. The Presto card costs $6, with a minimum balance of $10 required when it is first purchased. Free hearingand over test For those 55 years old ial aring Aid Spec f rom $295 He y Save $10. ery before May 15. 100% Money-Back Guarantee $139. Includes Delivery within zones Get a $5.00 refund on returned bag If within 60 da we will give you a 100% refund chase · The latest in hearing technology available · Over 20 years experience · We are an authorized clinic for DVA, WSIB and Green Shield clients Call now to book your appointment: 905-827-7333 TK1250 TM TM Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville · 905-827-7333 You call - we deliver, even if you're not home.TM