Presto's recent availability at all three west-end GO Transit stations - Mimico, Exhibition and Long Branch - is expected to simplify the commute of the approximately 2,600 locals who use the stations on a daily basis.
The single-card payment system is touted to allow commuters to travel between multiple transit systems with ease - users simply load their Presto card up with a dollar amount and 'tap on' when boarding a bus or train. The fare is then automatically deducted from the card, eliminating the need for exact change, tickets or transfers. "With Presto, commuters can travel across multiple transit systems with just one card - it's simple and convenient," Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne said in a statement. In the process of being rolled out to commuters in stages, Presto can now be used on Oakville and Burlington Transit, and at Oakville, Bronte, Burlington, Appleby, Hamilton, Aldershot, Clarkson, Port Credit and Union GO stations, as well as at seven downtown TTC subway stations."Presto will create a seamless transit network, attract more riders, reduce congestion and help improve our environment," added Laurel Broten, Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP.Similar electronic fare cards are currently being used in London, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Seattle and Holland.