City council approved today a transit commission motion, in response to the Presto delay, which is meant to see that certain commuters are not penalized because of the tap-and-go card’s pushed-back debut.
Transit head Diane Deans announced last week that the heavily-promoted Presto smart card system will be delayed due to technical difficulties.
The new motion will see some pay-per-ride fares continue as-priced until Presto is fully operational, putting off cost hikes that were to start July 1. This delay will cost the city about $100,000 every month that Presto is not up-and-running.
Adult, student, and seniors’ ticket fare will still be priced at $2.60 and children’s at $1.30. Seniors will also be able to pay $2.00 cash for rides.
The cancellation of the ECOPass will be delayed until the city announces a new Presto start date – one that is set by transit’s general manager and chair as outlined in the motion.
The commission also wants Metrolinx, the Toronto-based company behind the pass, to foot the bill for lost revenue and additional expenses incurred by the delay.
“At the end of the day,” said Deans to council, “our focus is on our customers.”