Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

Toronto's smart transit card still has a way to go

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The contactless Presto transit card is ending its year-long trial run in Toronto and while the 500 test riders seem more than satisfied with the new system, some kinks still have to be worked out, such as installing the readers on the various vehicles run by the region’s 10 transit agencies.

“Customer suggestions generally were things like, ‘I want more devices’ or ‘Can I use it for other stops?’ and ‘Why can’t I use it elsewhere?’ – which are all things that will come along with the full rollout,” said David Smith, director of the Presto System project. Planners are projecting a smart card will be widely available around the region by 2010.

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