03-07-2022, 04:29 PM
(03-06-2022, 04:25 PM)Bytor Wrote: Here is an article that lists the reasons why Presto was not chosen.
Thanks. So, one factor was the cost: Presto won't participate in an RFP, and would not provide operating or capital cost estimates, according to the article. That does make it difficult to determine whether Presto's cost is competitive or not.
And for the flexibility:
Quote:Presto would require the region to agree to certain terms universal to every transit system using it, including passenger classifications and future global fare policies, the region said. Any changes to the standardized system would require every service using Presto - about 12 - to agree.
As an example for this, the region would have needed to implement exactly the same affordable transit pass as the other Presto members, rather than being able to tailor it for our region (for example, our ATP provides discounted single fares, Presto does not).
Given the lack of flexibility and the lack of clarity about costs, I suspect that I would have chosen against Presto as well had I been making the decision. Metrolinx has chosen to provide a standardized service, as is their right, but that does mean it may not fit the requirements as well for any given region.