QUEEN’S PARK — A new report reveals Ontario’s taxpayers are on the hook for $120 million in TTC fare system costs, thanks to the government’s privatized PRESTO system, and NDP Transit critic Jessica Bell (University-Rosedale) said sweeping reforms to PRESTO are required.
“We’ve been forced into a situation by the previous Liberal and current Conservative government where the TTC is paying $120 million a year for a fare card system that still doesn’t work properly,” said Bell. “That money should be making transit better and making fares affordable, not paying to address mistakes. We’re paying a premium for a system that often doesn’t work. The provincial government has gone all-in on creating this expensive, privatized mess, and they need to get to work cleaning it up. Riders deserve more affordable fares, and a more accessible and reliable way to pay them.”