toronto presto card

Here's what PRESTO cards have looked like in Toronto over the years

Toronto's public transit has gone through major changes throughout the decades and one major change was when theTTC discontinued the Metropassand startedrolling out PRESTO cardsas a way to pay for fares.

The change between Metropasses to PRESTO cards wasn't as smooth as the TTC wanted it to be, with so manymachine and card malfunctionsfor the first few years.

The TTC is a bit late to the PRESTO card game as these cards have been around since 2009, with cities in the GTA, Hamilton, and Ottawa using the card as a method of payment on public transit.

2012

vertical presto card

Image via Metrolinx.

Toronto first started to roll out its first PRESTO card in 2012, with the first card being green and vertical instead of the horizontal cards we've come to know.

2015

Next came the launch of their horizontal card in 2015. It looks exactly like the vertical card but now just sideways and had the Braille letter "P" to help distinguish it from other cards when in a wallet.

horizontal presto card

Image via Metrolinx.

This subtle change came after feedback from customers who were visually impaired.

PRESTO cards still weren't a popular way to pay for fairs on the TTC but were used for other modes of public transportation including the Union Pearson Express.

2015 UP Express

up express presto card

Image via Metrolinx.

In June 2015, PRESTO created a Union Pearson Express PRESTO card tocelebrate the opening of the new transitthat would connect you from downtown Toronto to Pearson International Airport in 25 minutes.

The cards we've come to know now are theblack PRESTO cardsthat were released in October 2017.

2017

black presto card

Image via Metrolinx.

The new design of the card got rid of the old PRESTO logo and traded it with a simpler design. The card also added the Metrolinx logo at the top of the card.

In order to celebrate the home opener games of the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs, the Scotiabank Arena teamed up with PRESTO to make these limited edition cards.

2018 Limited Edition

scotiabank arena presto

Image via Metrolinx.

Scotiabank Arena gave out 20,000 preloaded cardsto fans that were at either of the home opening games in October 2018.

2019 Canada Goose

The newest PRESTO card to step out onto the scene came with a steep price point. PRESTO teamed up with Canada Goose to create this exclusive card.

Canada Goose created awinter coat that was inspired by Torontoand to celebrate the release of it, customers who preordered the jacket at either the Yorkdale or Sherway Gardens location, got a free gift with purchase.

canada goose presto

Image via Metrolinx.

The gift was the limited edition silver PRESTO card, that fits perfectly in the TTC pass pocket and a toque that matched the jacket.

If you're wondering how much you had to spend in order to get this exclusive card, well you're in for a shocker because the jacket was priced at $1495.

Although the earlier cards have an expiration date to them, they are still active and can be used today.

Whether you have the sleek black card or one of the themed cards, PRESTO has made it easier to effortlessly travel between different public transit systems, including the OC Transpo in Ottawa.

If the original designs aren't your cup of tea, you canpurchase a metal Toronto-themed PRESTO cardto elevate the look of your pass.

Lead photo by

blogTO


拉test Videos



拉test Videos


加入谈话Loadcomments

拉test in City

Parade with poor spelling planned for Mississauga slammed by critics as bigoted

Here's why the website for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has quietly disappeared

Pedestrians outraged by cars given priority at downtown Toronto intersection

Crowds and wait times to get to the Toronto Islands were absolutely brutal this weekend

Raccoons have taken over the roof of Union Station in Toronto

Outpouring of support for Toronto man stabbed to death in broad daylight

It's going to feel like a scorching 38 C in Toronto this week

Here's what the region's next GO Train station will look like