What happens if I forget to tap off PRESTO?

The Forgotten Tap: What Happens When You Forget to Tap Off Your PRESTO Card?

The PRESTO card has become a ubiquitous part of commuting in many Canadian cities, streamlining the process of hopping on and off trains, buses, and streetcars. But even seasoned PRESTO users can sometimes make mistakes. One of the most common? Forgetting to tap off at the end of your journey. So, what exactly happens when you neglect this seemingly simple step?

The consequence of a missed tap-off is, unfortunately, a fare adjustment. In simpler terms, you’ll be charged extra. The system assumes you traveled the maximum possible distance on the route you were on, and it will bill you accordingly. This means you’ll be hit with the highest fare the system offers for that particular journey.

The system doesn’t just forget about it, either. This “maximum fare” charge won’t appear immediately after your missed tap-off. Instead, it will be automatically deducted the next time you use your PRESTO card on the same network (typically, GO Transit). This is because the system needs to recognize you are on the same network and can then reconcile the previous incomplete trip.

Imagine this scenario: you hop on a GO train, tap on correctly, but get distracted by a phone call and forget to tap off when you arrive at your destination. The next time you use your PRESTO card to ride a GO train, you’ll notice a larger than expected charge. That discrepancy is likely the penalty for your previous forgotten tap-off.

This system is in place for a few key reasons. Primarily, it aims to ensure fair fare collection. Without a tap-off, the system has no way of knowing where you disembarked, so it defaults to charging the maximum to prevent potential fare evasion. Secondly, it encourages users to remember to tap off consistently, thus contributing to a more accurate data collection system for transit planning and management.

So, what can you do to avoid this costly oversight? Here are a few tips:

• Set a reminder: Use your phone to set a recurring reminder for when you’re approaching your usual stop.
• Make it a habit: Train yourself to tap off immediately after disembarking, making it a consistent part of your routine.
• Check your PRESTO balance regularly: This will help you notice any discrepancies quickly and address them with customer service if needed.
• Utilize PRESTO app features: Some features on the app may help you track your trips and send reminders.

While forgetting to tap off can be an unwelcome surprise, understanding the system and adopting a few preventative measures can help you avoid these unnecessary charges and ensure a smoother, more cost-effective commuting experience. It’s a small step, but one that can save you from a potentially hefty fare adjustment.

#Fareerror #Prestotap #Transit