PRESTO introduces e-tickets for Durham and Hamilton Regions

PRESTO E-Tickets, a new account-based ticketing app provided by Bytemark, is now available to riders of the Durham Region Transit (DRT) and Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) systems.

The PRESTO E-Tickets app provides transit customers with a new fare payment option. PRESTO E-Tickets is built on the Bytemark Passage account-based fare payment solution and will offer its Navigate capabilities, powered in part by HaCon.

PRESTO E-Tickets, available for both iOS and Android, currently allows customers on DRT and HSR transit systems to use their smartphones to make in-app cashless and contactless fare purchases, which can then be visually verified at a distance by drivers and fare inspectors. Future versions of PRESTO E-Tickets will be integrated with PRESTO’s extensive electronic fare collection system to allow for faster automatic validation. The app, which runs on Bytemark Bridge, a Plan, Book & Pay™ platform, will continue to evolve with new features for customers, as well as expansion to include other local transit providers.

“The team at Bytemark is thrilled to assist both the PRESTO team and PRESTO customers in making travel contactless, safer and more convenient for those returning to public transit,” said Eric Reese, CEO at Bytemark. “Through the Passage product, transit riders throughout the Greater Toronto area will enjoy easier access to payment and reduce person-to-person contact. We look forward to the opportunity to implement the platform in quick order for other PRESTO-enabled transit agencies as well.”

“We know our customers want even more convenient and touchless payment options, especially during a time when safety is so top of mind,” said Annalise Czerny, chief of PRESTO. “We worked quickly to launch PRESTO E-Tickets, starting first on DRT and HSR, so that customers can safely and easily purchase and pay their fare all from their smartphone.”

The app, available in English and French, lets riders remain contactless and cashless throughout their travel experience. Easy to view from a distance, the dynamic tickets with built-in fraud protection allow transit operators to maintain social distancing while ensuring that fares are paid.

“HSR is excited to offer PRESTO E-Tickets to our customers. PRESTO E-Tickets are a convenient, secure and contactless alternative to pay fares, as the HSR ends the sale of paper tickets this fall,” said Nancy Purser, manager of Transit Support Services at the city of Hamilton.

“This new and innovative solution is a great option for DRT customers wanting the convenience and safety of contactless fare payment. We’re eager to see PRESTO E-Tickets used across our entire network of scheduled, specialized and on-demand services,” said Bill Holmes, general manager, Durham Region Transit.

How to get started

PRESTO E-Tickets can be purchased, stored and activated all through the PRESTO E-Tickets app, available for download from the app store.

Once the app is downloaded, riders register for an account before they can buy an E-Ticket. To buy an E-Ticket, open the app, select the transit agency and the number E-Tickets. The PRESTO E-Tickets App accepts all major credit cards and VISA Debit.

The RESTO E-Ticket is then automatically saved on the device through the app, allowing riders to view and activate it without an internet connection.

Just before boarding, select the E-Ticket and then select activate. The activation can take up to 60 seconds, depending on the transit system. Once the E-Ticket is activated it will change color to show the driver it is valid.

PRESTO E-Tickets for DRT and HSR are the same price as a PRESTO fare and are available for adult, youth, child and senior fare types. PRESTO E-Tickets will also be available for DARTS customers in Hamilton.