PRESTO introduces ‘PRESTO E-Tickets’ for Durham and Hamilton
PRESTO is rolling out a new way to pay on Durham Region Transit and Hamilton Street Railway.
Sep 1, 2020
Starting today (Sept 1), DRT and HSR customers can purchase and pay for their bus fare all from their smartphone with new PRESTO E-Tickets.
PRESTO E-Tickets are a new convenient and touchless way for transit riders to pay for their fare. That means there’s no more worrying about finding the correct change before hopping on the bus.
These new E-Tickets are ideal for occasional riders and visitors who may not have a PRESTO card. They can also be used for group travel as multiple tickets can be purchased, activated and then displayed for payment by one individual on one smartphone.
PRESTO E-Tickets are a new convenient and touchless way for transit riders to pay for their fare for DRT and HSR. (Metrolinx photo)
How do I get started?
PRESTO E-Tickets can be purchased, stored and activated all through the PRESTO E-Tickets app, available for download from your app store.
Once you download the app, you have to register for an account before you can buy an E-Ticket. To buy an E-Ticket, open the app, select the transit agency you’re travelling with and how many E-Tickets you want to buy. The PRESTO E-Tickets App accepts all major credit cards, as well as Debit Mastercard and VISA Debit.
PRESTO E-Tickets will continue to evolve with new features for customers and PRESTO looks forward to expanding them to other transit agencies across the region. (Metrolinx phot)
Your PRESTO E-Ticket is then automatically saved on your device through the app meaning you can view and activate it without an internet connection.
Just before you board, select the E-Ticket you want to use and then select “Activate.” The activation can take up to 60 seconds, depending on the transit system you are travelling with.
It’s that simple.
It’s important to remember, an activated PRESTO E-Ticket on your smartphone is your proof-of-payment, so make sure you have it displayed on your smartphone when you board to show the driver. As you board, tap the activated E-Ticket on your smartphone screen – it will change colour to show the driver it’s valid.
PRESTO E-Tickets for DRT and HSR are the same price as a PRESTO fare and are available for adult, youth, child and senior fare types. PRESTO E-Tickets will also be available for DARTS customers in Hamilton. Visit our website or check with your transit agency for more information.
Always remember to activate your ticket before you get on board so you can show the driver or fare inspectors. (Metrolinx photo)
PRESTO E-Tickets are currently valid for travel on a single transit system only. That means if you are transferring from a DRT or HSR bus to GO Transit or TTC for instance, you will need to buy a separate fare.
More convenient, modern payment options
PRESTO is committed to offering more convenient and modern payment options to customers, and PRESTO E-Tickets are just the start.
PRESTO E-Tickets will continue to evolve with new features for customers and PRESTO looks forward to expanding them to other transit agencies across the region. The rollout was accelerated to offer another cashless, touchless alternative during a time when safety is paramount.
E-Tickets are part of plans to modernize PRESTO that will give customers across participating transit agencies more ways to pay – including by credit, debit, and mobile wallets in addition to PRESTO.
New devices are already rolling out to support these new forms of payment and an open payment pilot is planned for our system later this year.
Editor’s note – This story was updated on Jan. 8, 2021, to include Debit Mastercard as an option to pay.
by Brandon Bernard Metrolinx Communications Planning Senior Advisor
