Proof of payment on streetcars

[jsburbidge]

So the TTC, in the wake of a report on the King 504 car, is now talking about moving up the date for all-door boarding on all streetcars.

I wish them luck.

Two observations.  First, many King car drivers allow de facto all door boarding on crowded cars, so the benefit to be gained may already largely be factored into the system.

Secondly, moving to all door boarding with the current fleet has problems. The Queen car, where it is currently implemented, makes no connections to the subway. The others, however (except for the Carleton car) all connect at transfer-free points. To implement all door boarding with concomitant inspections, they either have to extend proof of payment to the subway - which is planned only for the implementation of Presto - or have to require transfers on boarding streetcars at Broadview, Bathurst, Dundas West, and St. Clair. Neither will be easy, efficient, or popular. (Although I can see putting transfer machines on the platforms beside the transfer points with large signs as a possible middle way.)