I turned in my January paper pass last night at the Oshawa station which waived the $6 issuance fee for my Presto card. I also received a $15.28 credit on my Presto card because my pass, even though it was the end of January, still had monetary value. I didn't ask the attendent why, but if you know why, leave a comment. Is it because of the fare structure? Don't make me call the help line where I know I will sit on hold listening to Lionel Ritchie sing about dancing on a ceiling. Please tell me. Remember, I can't make change from a dollar.
I loaded $250.00 onto the card giving me a total balance of $265.28.
The GO attendent took the time to tell me about the card and explained how it works, how I should protect it, how the automated re-load option works and what to do if my card is lost or stolen, so kudos.
I was the only one at the counter since it was pushing 9:30pm but I would like to think this kind of time is taken with each purchase to explain the card.
Since over 150 people downloaded the Uncle/Crazy Train Presto fare calculator spreadsheet yesterday, I figure I would chronicle my experience since there are readers who are hesitant in signing up for the card. I tapped it this morning at Oshawa and $7.25 was deducted from the card (that's $1.00 off the full, one-way fare to Union), so it worked, both card and machine.
In regards to the tax credit, keep a record of your transactions both online and in person AND REGISTER YOUR CARD so if you lose it, it can be replaced and your balance can be transferred. You do have to use the pass more than 32 times in a one-month period to be able to claim the expense on your taxes and your card must be registered.
So how much is GO/Metrolinx paying you to promote the card?
ReplyDeleteHey, Eistein, if that were the case, don't you think I'd be enjoying use of the card at no charge?
ReplyDeleteThe amount on the cheque was 0.00. Not everyone is motivated by money.
Owned.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting a picture up to prove you paid for the card and actually have it. You did not have to be so rude. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought you were being paid for your time.
ReplyDeleteI can understand how you could make an assumption but how about you just email me? M'kay?
ReplyDeleteI did not set this site up with the intent to profit. Do you see any advertising? I only dial up the crazy ad-free.
Maybe one day, I'll sell out but right now, it's all out of the goodness of my heart.
One other benefit of the Presto card is that you don't even need to take it out of your pants/purse/wallet/satchel/fanny pack to use it. You just need to stand near it or against it or put your purse/wallet/satchel/fanny pack for it to work.
ReplyDeleteI tape mine to my Johnson and just hump the machine. Good times.
ReplyDeleteWhat I am curious about is how the ticket checkers check that you've tapped the card? Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteGood question, they'll have to have a new scanner type machine that will be able to read the presto fobs.
ReplyDeleteIt frightens me to think that we have to rely on GO themselves sending out the tax credits, that's bound to get fucked up, at least I think it would.
Unless by registering your card, you essentially create an account and at the end of the year, your tax receipt will be posted on there....
Pardon my ignorance, I don't know much about Presto except for what you're relaying to us, which I must say, is invaluable. Thanks CJ!
Lindsay
The GOstappos have special readers that can check your card, or so I've heard.
ReplyDeleteWhen you register you create an account and that account will keep a usage record which will be acceptable to RevCan.
ReplyDeleteThe GOstappos do indeed have special readers. I've been frisked several times for my Presto card.
ReplyDeleteThe Flynnigan: When you register, you create an account so you can print off the tax receipt yourself. (Beats having to hoarde a year's worth of transit passes).
ReplyDeleteThe Presto website explains all!
Thanks for this CJ - I'm seriously considering it. If I JUST bought my feb pass, and I decide to buy a presto, does the remaining balance of my feb pass load up the presto?
ReplyDeleteAlso, when you buy a monthly pass, you obviously get a discount on your Dailey fare. I've seen the calculations but can someone just tell me in non-math-literate terms if I would be getting the exact same discount?
Hmm thanks for the advice, appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteIs there a a fixed date this year when it's going to be going all-presto? I saw someone reading a presto brochure this morning on the train but I've yet to see anything in Newmarket when I board. I'll have to hunt one of them down.
I like the fact I dont have to take my card out of my wallet to scan, just hold my wallet to the presto terminal and "Presto"! Paid.
ReplyDeleteI probably dont even have to take my wallet out of my pocket bu then I may look strange rubbing butt against a presto machine.
From what I understand there's no firm date set; Presto still needs to be rolled out for a number of GO rail and bus services. Both payment methods will likely co-exist for a number of years after, and for things like single ride paper tickets.
ReplyDeleteThe TTC, that's another story...
re: Feb pass balance to Presto - YES
ReplyDeletere: discounts - YES. Every time you tap your card, you'll see the discount applied as the amount being deducted goes down in price.
I don't like to say I have given my life to art. I prefer to say art has given me my life.
ReplyDelete