MetroMan
Senior Member
allabootmatt -- how so? the parking meters already spit out printed parking tickets, there's nothing to say that it can't spit on printed transit tickets. The technology used for the meters is identical to transit ticket dispensers in many cities without the use of smart cards.
I'm not saying smart cards aren't a good thing, I'd love to see that happen. But in the short term, this is an easy and low-cost solution.
Once PresTO is implemented around the region, I'm sure the TTC will eventually follow suit. You can't have a regional fare card without the biggest regional player.
Exactly. Parking meters can print subway-like TTC transfers. This is great for people who don't carry around change and would rather pay their fare on a credit or debit card.
What I'm suggesting is indeed a little more bold though. I'd like to see the parking meter upgraded to fit the street furniture look and to include a large 10" LCD screen.
This screen could display the cost of a metropass vs parking/gas or even sell parking customers a discounted TTC ticket: "Keep your car parked here for X amount of time and buy a TTC return fare for a fraction of the cost".
You'd also be able to scan your parking tickets and pay them right there. I'm not sure how many parking tickets go unpaid simply because the driver is lazy but this could be one of many services offered at these Transit/Parking Points.
The timing is right for something like this with PresTO coming along soon, with the TTC looking at new ideas and with the street furniture program being implemented.