While this
month’s introduction of new rules for TTC Metropasses has appeared
to go fairly smoothly, there has been some confusion.
Rose Santiago
of Scarborough writes, “My husband and I are both TTC riders and
we've been on the Metropass Discount Plan for close to four years
now. For the month of September, my husband is only using his
Metropass ... five days a week, so we decided to give his pass to
our daughter who's in Grade 10.
“I called the
TTC Customer Office beforehand and confirmed that it's acceptable
for student use. My daughter has no problem using the Metropass on
one local bus line, but the driver of the route she regularly
transfers to (allowed her to use the adult Metropass) on one day
only -- and threatened to confiscate it the next time.
“My daughter
was scared that if she used it again, it would be confiscated. Again
I asked a TTC booth collector at Queen's Park station and she gave
me the same information -- that students are allowed to use the new
transferable (adult) Metropass.”
I saw one of
the TTC’s first information documents about the new transferable
passes, and it did not state that a student or senior could use an
adult Metropass. All subsequent advertisements and notices have been
clear: Anyone can use the adult pass, without showing
identification.
Alice Smith,
the TTC’s Acting Marketing Manager, confirms this. She adds that
anyone who uses the student and senior Metropass or tickets must
show proper photo ID to qualify for the reduced fare.
With thousands
of transit operators, it seems a tiny number may have incorrect
information. Employees are expected to read all relevant postings --
in this case, notices about fares should be put up at bus garages
well before the changes.
Let’s hope that
by now it’s clear to everyone -- including riders -- what the new
rules are. The big one for transit users: you cannot share your pass
while you’re travelling.
It’s the same
for the new weekly pass -- one person per card, per trip. If you’re
not sure about the rules, get them on paper. If there are no more
flyers in transit vehicles or at collector booths, print one out
from www.ttc.ca -- look under “Fares and Passes.”
It may happen
that one day a transit operator takes the drastic action of
confiscating a pass. This scenario could well involve a student
fare, so parents should double-check the TTC website for the exact
rules on obtaining and showing identification.
For all fare
disputes, try to remember to take a deep breath before stating your
case. If the situation cannot be settled promptly, at least avoid
escalating the disagreement into a confrontation.
Try to make an
alternate payment, and obtain a transfer. It really helps to note
the number of the vehicle, and the “run number” in the lower left
front window when you get off. With those details, plus the time,
date, route and direction, contact the TTC via
www.ttc.ca or 416-393-3030.