Have you changed the way you use the TTC, now that the monthly
Metropass is easier to use? Have you taken advantage of the newly
introduced weekly pass yet? Some Toronto transit users used to ask
“why don’t we have more choice of passes, as they do in Montreal?”
Now we do. And while we may continue to envy that city’s lower pass
prices, new opportunities are arising here.
There are efforts to give users an incentive to show their transit
cards outside the TTC. Part of the City of Toronto’s “Get on Track
with Culture” promotion include discounts this month for pass
holders at the Art Gallery of Ontario, as well as museums and
performing arts venues. Check out
www.livewithculture.ca
for details.
Another tip: Keep your eyes peeled for a contest in Metro involving
free TTC monthly and weekly passes.
Since it is no longer necessary to show identification with the
adult Metropass, I’m curious how this affects riders. I still keep
the pass and my drivers licence in one of those clear plastic
holders. Because of concern that the pass will just slip out of my
wallet, I’ve kept the two pieces together along with the train
schedule for a nearby GO station.
To
cover the drivers licence photo, I’ve inserted a more flattering
picture -- of SpongeBob SquarePants. Although I think it’s amusing,
no TTC operators have reacted to my new portrait.
I
haven’t lent the pass to anyone yet -- most people I know have their
own. One has actually exclaimed “I love my Metropass!”, and that was
before the rules were relaxed. Another expressed relief at not
having to wave their licence around, instead keeping it safely
stored.
I’d like to hear from readers -- have the recent changes affected
your daily habits? Have you have given up tokens or tickets in
favour of a plastic pass? Do you lend it out? Do you welcome the new
rules?
I’ve also been looking for the ideal Metropass holder or wallet.
One pocketbook design allows you to keep the transit card behind a
small plastic window, but pull it out easily to swipe through a
turnstile.
Even before September’s rule change, I had heard rumours of people
putting a hole in their pass and attaching string or rubber bands to
it. Some people already keep their work identification on a cord
around their neck. Would you carry your Metropass that way?
If
you have any suggestions, I’ll forward them to the people who sell
official TTC merchandise at
www.legacysportswear.com.
Having a soft spot for transit trinkets, I recently visited
www.TranStrap.com which
sells various gimmicks aimed at commuters. One product is a portable
handhold for people who can’t quite reach the overhead poles in the
train or bus.