The Toronto Transit Commission (ON) has issued a request for pre-qualifications for an open standards-based fare payment system, despite opposition from local officials and politicians. The RFPQ, which asks for responses by September 10, raises the potential of competing fare systems in the Greater Toronto Area. “The issue is whether or not you’ll allow two standalone systems to exist in the GTA,” said Ernie Wallace, executive director of PRESTO, the smart card being introduced throughout the region. “That’s clearly a political question.”
Also at issue is the timing of the procurement. TTC wants to issue a contract by November 30, the last day that the current city council will be in office. This includes TTC chair Adam Giambrone, the leading proponent for the open payment system. Link to full story in The Globe and Mail.
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