As part of an effort to further encourage customers to use PRESTO cards, the TTC will distribute free complimentary PRESTO cards to customers this summer and fall. PRESTO encourages contactless payment methods which help reduce the spread of COVID-19. A plan is being developed to distribute these cards in areas of the city where PRESTO use is relatively low, and where customers could benefit from receiving a PRESTO card. The cards will be distributed at no charge to customers from existing stocks held by the TTC.
Pre-pandemic, the TTC averaged up to 1.8 million rides per day connecting customers to work, school, social events, and other activities. Over the last three months, with ridership down 86%, the TTC continued to carry approximately 300,000 daily revenue rides with customers making trips to access essential work, groceries, pharmacies and care. For many, public transit is the primary mode of mobility.