Grand River Transit

[Spokes]

I thought the new student fees rules couldn't touch u pass?

[danbrotherston]

I thought the new student fees rules couldn't touch u pass?

They couldn't touch existing agreements, the Conestoga college agreement was a new agreement, not signed before the new rules came in.

Sadly, we have an incompetent government, which is going to lead to bad policy.

[robdrimmie]

I had a really nice experience with the GRT fare card yesterday. I had been avoiding reloading the value on my card until the month-end turnover ended and credit card processing was working again etc, so I didn't get around to doing it until early Monday morning. I had about $4 in value remaining, so my morning fare was fine. I was hopeful the afternoon bus would have gotten updated but no luck. Fortunately though, the system allowed me to go into debt by $1.24 which was cool. I have dug a small bit but I can't figure out what the rules around that sort of overdraft.

[bgb_ca]

I had a really nice experience with the GRT fare card yesterday. I had been avoiding reloading the value on my card until the month-end turnover ended and credit card processing was working again etc, so I didn't get around to doing it until early Monday morning. I had about $4 in value remaining, so my morning fare was fine. I was hopeful the afternoon bus would have gotten updated but no luck. Fortunately though, the system allowed me to go into debt by $1.24 which was cool. I have dug a small bit but I can't figure out what the rules around that sort of overdraft.

It allows you to tap once if you have a balance of 0.01 or more. If you already used your grace tap it won't let you tap again. (Except for a transfer in their policy). When the reload happens it will subtract the overage from that.

[robdrimmie]

That's great to know, thank you. I've always paid cash when I knew for certain I didn't have enough value, I'll always try that grace tap from now on. That's a nice thing, I'm glad they did that.

[timio]

Presto is similar.

[nms]

What are GRT's plans to address those for whom loading an EasyGo card is not easy? For instance any of the following:
- no bank account
- limited language skills
- developmental disability

I am aware of several places that were able to distribute individual tickets to those in immediate need for single trips, as well as someone who is working with someone who meets all three of the above criteria. EasyGo is not easy for them.

[timio]

I believe they are looking at single use tickets. Presto is rolling out 2 ride paper tickets in Toronto for this purpose (and more).

[urbd]

What are GRT's plans to address those for whom loading an EasyGo card is not easy? For instance any of the following:
- no bank account
- limited language skills
- developmental disability

I am aware of several places that were able to distribute individual tickets to those in immediate need for single trips, as well as someone who is working with someone who meets all three of the above criteria. EasyGo is not easy for them.

I sent these comments to some contacts that work at GRT. Very important.

[KevinL]

There are already paper EasyGo passes with a limited number of rides loaded. They are dispensed at the Ion-platform machines; presumably they will become available elsewhere.

[Bob_McBob]

GRT network changes are scheduled to start on June 24, the Monday following the launch of ION.

https://www.grt.ca/en/about-grt/ion-events.aspx

[KevinL]

GRT network changes are scheduled to start on June 24, the Monday following the launch of ION.

https://www.grt.ca/en/about-grt/ion-events.aspx

So the Ion and the 200 will run concurrently through that weekend? Interesting.

[KevinL]

[bgb_ca]

New trip planner is up with both new bus and Ion schedules

https://tripplan.grt.ca/

[kaiserdiver]

Yuck - seems to confirm my fear that 8 down Belmont is no more.