Buses now take credit cards in Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering and Whitby
Published January 23, 2023 at 11:24 am
Paying transit fare is a bit easier from today on now that commuters only need their credit card to tap on to Durham Region Transit buses.
On January 23, Ontario announced commuters who ride the transit systems in Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton and York Region will be able to tap the PRESTO machine with their credit card directly. Riders can also use their credit card smartphone apps to pay.
“This latest milestone in the continuous advancement of the PRESTO system will provide users greater ease and convenience when travelling for work, school, leisure, and more,” said Associate Minister of Transportation Stan Cho.
The use of credit cards to pay PRESTO fares directly started on the Union-Pearson Express in 2021. Next, it expanded into the transit networks across Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville last.
The new program has so far enabled more than 518,000 rides. The next step is to expand credit card usage to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and then to allow the use of debit cards on all transit systems in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.
However the provincial release announcing the credit card expansion did not specify a timetable for the next steps of the plan.
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“Thank you to the Ministry of Transportation and Metrolinx for their partnership in expanding credit card payment on PRESTO devices for Durham Region Transit riders,” said Durham Region Chair John Henry, “This convenient payment option simplifies the boarding process, making public transit more accessible for residents and visitors travelling across Durham Region and beyond.”
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