Peak fare pricing could be coming to TTC in 2018

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Once the Presto system has been fully implemented across the TTC, the transit body plans to move to peak-fare pricing.

Riders could see increased fares during rush hour or a decrease during off-peak hours, all in the name of reducing congestion.

However, it’s not yet clear what those price changes would be.

The peak fare pricing is part of the 2018 budget process. The TTC board passed it through the first stage of approval on Wednesday, the same day the Presto system was rolled out on all TTC streetcars.

Brad Ross explains the Presto and streetcar system in the video below. Click here to view it on mobile.

Riders who use the Presto system will still need a paper transfer if transferring from a streetcar route to a bus route, Ross said earlier this month.

All streetcars and buses will soon have the Presto system, Ross said, eliminating the need for a transfer, but that’s not in place yet. Once that change has been made, riders will need to “tap” their Presto card every time they enter a TTC vehicle.

The TTC is hoping to eliminate token, ticket and Metropass use by the end of 2016. Until then, there’s a 10-cent cost increase on the books for tokens as of Jan. 1. There’s also a 25-cent increase to cash fares.

The TTC also plans to eliminate the discount for students and seniors who pay cash. However, that same discount would still be available on Preso.

About 1.4 million people already use Presto on GO Transit and seven other regional transit carriers, including Oakville, Mississauga, and Brampton. Presto allows users to tap on to transit vehicles with a smart card pre-loaded with credits. It also allows for easier fare integration across networks.

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