Thoughts on open payment
First of all, one will probably accuse me of having an agenda in this matter. There's no need to accuse - just use the search function. I have been a big supporter of the PRESTO card from its concept stages for various reasons which I've written about many times before. I don't see open payment (using an RFID-enabled debit card, credit card or a surrogate like a bank account-linked cell phone or a watch) as a competitor, as it fulfills the same goal - eliminating the need to carry tickets and transfers for multiple transit agencies. In fact, my dream is to see every transit entry-point in the GTHA have a hybrid reader that accepts both PRESTO and open payment cards. But, I do have some questions about open payment cards that need answering.
Read more »Labels: fares
Thoughts on strange behaviour
@mfac19 mentioned that she had seen a few strange things - riders tapping their paper tickets to a PRESTO reader, and PRESTO users tapping onto a balance checker instead of a fare machine. Personally, I've seen riders punching their final trip on a ten-ride ticket and then immediately throwing the ticket away. In all three cases, the rider will likely face a fine because they won't have proof of fare when the fare inspector comes around. Is behaviour like this the fault of the transit agency for not fully explaining the process, or is this the fault of the rider for not fully understanding the process?
Labels: fares
Thoughts on Züm II
This morning myself and @mfac19 were the third and fourth passengers on the first ever Züm departure from Brampton Terminal to York University at 4:45am. There was much fanfare and we all got swag. I am now near Islington heading back home, and here are a few thoughts:
Read more »Labels: brampton transit, bus rapid transit, service changes
Thoughts on a tweet
@mfac19 tweeted:
@mayormiller prevent the TTC from wasting the precious $$ on studies for payment systems when the province is handing it to you on a platter
@mayormiller tweeted:
@mfac19 Disagree. TTC wants to let you use your credit card and other systems; Province wants one system, and TTC to pay$300 million for it.
From my perspective, we need to keep in mind the greater policy objective. The narrow policy objective is to minimize costs and maximize output for yourself and those you care about. You can't really fault anyone for having this mentality. However, the greater policy objective of region-wide transit integration is what matters here. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - the environment, the economy and our quality of life doesn't care about Steeles. One region, one system should be the goal. Anything above and beyond that greater policy objective is fine by me. Anything below that greater policy objective is a recipe for disaster.
Labels: fares, politics, ttc
Thoughts on transit platforms
With the Toronto mayoral election campaign in full swing, here are my thoughts on the transportation related issues that are at play.
Read more »Labels: cycling, light rail, politics, streetcars, subways
Thoughts on Züm
On September 20th, Brampton Transit will launch Züm, a limited stop bus service running every 15 minutes between Downtown Brampton and York University (and twice as frequently during the peak hours). In the process, service on Highway 7 in Vaughan and Queen Street in Brampton will be completely reorganized.
Read more »Labels: brampton transit, bus rapid transit
