Tag: Metrolinx

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Metrolinx warns Presto card users of ‘card clash’

Presto card users may be on the hook for two separate charges if they aren’t careful about the card they use to start and end their trips.

Back in August, Metrolinx introduced a new (much-needed) feature allowing travellers to tap their credit cards to pay for their fares instead of always having to use their Presto card. But now, the transit agency is warning users of ‘card clash.’

According to reporting from CTV News Toronto, card clash occurs when a user unknowingly taps more than one recognizable card when paying for their trip.

“If a customer taps their whole wallet, the payment device may recognize only the card closest to the reader, and therefore, it may not be the card the customer had intended to pay with,” Metrolinx said.

If a customer taps off with a card other than the one they started their trip with, they’ll be charged for two rides going to the last stop on that line, per the distance-based fare system Metrolinx implements for GO Transit and UP Express.

While the transit agency says it hasn’t heard of any issues since the program launched, it’s reminding riders to be careful.

“With the expansion of payment methods across the GO network and select local transit agencies, it’s important that all riders — whether using a Presto card, credit card, or mobile wallet — remember to tap off with the same card or method they used to tap on,” Metrolinx said.

Source: CP24

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Mobile Syrup

Metrolinx releasing DC superhero-themed Presto cards at Fan Expo

Fan Expo Canada is on the way, and Metrolinx is celebrating with new Presto cards.

Metrolinx is introducing limited-edition DC-themed Presto cards, which will be available at Fan Expo. The Presto cards are collectible items with designs by four renowned DC artists: Jason Fabok, Tim Sale, Yanick Paquette and Gary Frank.

There are five options: Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker and two designs with Batman.

A total of 5,000 collectible Presto cards will be available at the Metrolinx booth from August 25th to August 28th. These cards cost $35 plus tax.

Source: Metrolinx

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Mobile Syrup

Apple Pay and Credit Card Tap Payments now available on Go Transit and more

Metrolinx has finally expanded its contactless payment to support additional platforms, including Apple Pay and contactless credit card payments

Starting August 11th, Go Transit, Brampton Transit MiWay and Oakville transit support the above platforms when tapping at a Presto payment device.

This means that Presto readers now work with the iPhone or Apple Watch with Apple Pay tied to a credit card. Similar to a Presto Card, you still need to tap off when getting off at a station, so you aren’t charged twice.

Through a pilot program, contactless payments first made their way to Metrolinx transit network on the Union-Pearson Up Express line last year. The transit agency says that there have been over 28,500 credit fare payments since March 2021 and over 6,000 debit fare payments since October 2021 using contactless payment options.

“We’ve’ heard customers when they’ve asked for more flexible and convenient ways to pay their fare, and Presto contactless payment is just the latest customer improvement to deliver this – We will continue to offer new options that bring the very best experience and value to our customers and transit agency partners with Presto,” writes Metrolinx in a recent press release.

Metrolinx says it has plans to add debit payments soon alongside other transit agencies.

The transit agency added the ability to top-up Presto cards with Apple Pay back in 2015. Then in 2019, Metrolinx launched a dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS, followed by contactless reloading on iPhones in 2020.

At the time, Metrolinx senior manager of media Ann Marie Aikins said that NFC payments with the iPhone through Apple Pay would eventually arrive but didn’t offer a specific timeline.

It’s unclear why it’s taken so long for Metrolinx to introduce this feature, but it’s likely tied to upgrading its Presto payment stations and Apple being notorious for keeping the iPhone’s NFC functionality locked down.

Image credit: Metrolinx

Source: Metrolinx

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Mobile Syrup

You can now find Shoppers Drug Mart vending machines at select Go stations in Ontario

Metrolinx is bringing Shoppers Drug Mart vending machines to select Go Stations across Ontario.

Go customers can buy allergy relief products, lip balms, beauty items, toiletries, seasonal items and more at these new Shopper Drug Mart vending machines.

So far, these vending machines are located on the second floor of the Union Station Bus terminal, the Burlington Go Station and the Oshawa GO Station.

Metrolinx says that the vending machines offer the same prices you’d typically find at your local Shoppers Drug Mart stores.

Image credit: Metrolinx

Source: Metrolinx

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Mobile Syrup

Metrolinx to start testing two double-decker electric buses this week

Metrolinx announced today that it would begin testing two new zero-emission battery-powered double-decker Go buses in Toronto this week.

The buses, which look identical to current Go buses, have been modified to include nine batteries, producing a total of 648-kilowatt hours of power.

While the new electric buses are ready to test on-road, they won’t be available for riders until 2022, and the current tests will be performed without passengers on board.

According to Metrolinx, the new buses will run quieter, thanks to the lack of a diesel engine and will have USB ports for passengers to charge their devices on the go.

Further, the buses will have seatbelts for passengers, as part of new legislation and fewer seats, due to the batteries taking up space in the lower backside of the bus.

The new buses will be added to select routes west of Toronto, so expect to spot them somewhere around Mississauga, Etobicoke and Brampton, Ontario.

Image credit: Metrolinx

Source: Metrolinx

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Mobile Syrup

Metrolinx puts plan to electrify rail through Guelph, Ontario on hold

Metrolinx says it’s paused plans to electrify its rail line through Guelph, Ontario.

The transit agency confirmed the decision in an email to CBC News, stating that it was made, in part, because the rail corridor from Bramalea through Georgetown is owned by CN Rail. Therefore, it’s required to provide both freight and passenger train service, thus conflicting with the electrification plans.

Metrolinx also says that it’s been unable to find a site for a traction power substation after looking at nine possible locations. Per the company, none of them met its technical requirements, while they all had significant impacts on nearby communities.

Interestingly, Metrolinx told CBC News that it announce the pause way back in January through its blog, newsletters and the Metrolinx Engage platform. However, both Guelph councillor Phil Allt and one other Guelph resident told CBC News that this is the first they’ve heard of the news.

Metrolinx’s broader electrification plans include the Barrie, Lakeshore, Stouffville, and Kitchener lines. The company intends for construction to begin sometime in 2022 or 2023.

Image credit: Flickr — David McCormack

Source: CBC News