When the TTC announced that fares might be going up, management limited token sales in an attempt to stem hoarders. By purchasing tokens now, 25-cents is saved each ride if the token is used in the new year. Because so many people were taking advantage of this, the taps were turned off. Laurence begs to differ on this logic, but the truth is that if you want to purchase fares in advance you have to purchase temporary adult tickets. When 2010 rolls around and fares go up, these tickets will only be accepted with a 25-cent top-up.

About the same time this was happening, the Presto smart fare card was being field tested ahead of a full roll-out over the next year. Presto could have made this fare increase more manageable, but mass media details on how it will work for the rider have been slim. Many of the questions being raised have already been answered, but the information isn’t really getting out to the public. So, here’s some reflections on what Presto can do for the riders in the GTHA. (more…)

In my job as transit columnist for the free commuter daily Metro, I get to learn about the workings of the GTA transport system directly from public officials. I call them up, ask a lot of questions and try to fit a tiny portion of the answers into my weekly column. In turn I rely on transit advocates to fill in the blanks as well as describe their first-hand experiences aboard streetcars, buses and trains.

My ideal of a proper discussion has these two groups in the same place at the same time, plus anyone else with an interest in urban mobility.

When I first envisioned a series of meetings to explore the Metrolinx regional transport plan, I hoped to huddle with a few advocates and get their perspective on the process and the results so far. I wanted to hear about the parts of “The Big Move” that need greater attention.

Along the way it became clear that some kind of official involvement would greatly aid the discussion, but that hasn’t proved easy. Since the draft RTP was released, Metrolinx staff have been particularly busy with stakeholder and public consultation meetings. Next comes preparing the plan for approval at the agency’s board meeting on November 28.

That said, there are still a lot of questions worth asking about how the Big Move will work, and I’m holding three more unofficial meetings before the expected board vote — each on Tuesday nights at Metro Hall in downtown Toronto. I’m hoping to convince Metrolinx and other public officials to attend subsequent meetings.

Tonight, Tuesday November 11, the session deals with paying to ride: How will GTA transit fares affect the regional transport network? How can payment be better integrated and what could this mean to capacity throughout the greater transit network? Look below for some questions sent to Metrolinx, and the responses.

An earlier Metronauts entry, Two fares just doesn’t seem fair also explores some of the key issues.

If you’d like to continue this discussion in person, join me at Metro Hall, 55 John St. @ King in Room 303 at 7pm. (Details after the jump) (more…)

“There are 14 TTC bus routes operating directly between York Region and subway stations in the City of Toronto, giving riders a convenient way to connect without changing buses.” I sometimes take one of these routes—the 107 Keele North. When the TTC goes outside of Toronto’s city limits, they are operating under contract to the local service (in this case, YRT), and therefore must collect the local fare.  Therefore, if I intend to cross Steeles Avenue by bus, even for just a few blocks, I must fork over two full fares. But I ask the question: Is there a better way?

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