What if I don't tap off go?

The Phantom Rider: The Cost of Forgetting to Tap Off on GO Transit

We’ve all been there. Rushing off the GO Train, eager to finally get home after a long day, the last thing on our mind is that small, seemingly insignificant tap. But that seemingly small act of tapping off your PRESTO card on GO Transit holds more weight than you might think. Forgetting to tap off can lead to a phantom ride – a journey you didn’t take, yet are paying for.

GO Transit’s fare system is designed around distance-based pricing. This ensures a fair system where passengers pay a fare that accurately reflects the length of their trip. The tap-on and tap-off system is the mechanism that calculates this distance. When you tap on, the system registers your starting point. When you tap off, it registers your ending point, and calculates the appropriate fare.

So, what happens when you don’t tap off? The system, unable to determine your actual destination, defaults to the furthest point on that line. This results in a significantly higher fare than you should have paid, essentially charging you for a journey you didn’t complete. This automated process isn’t designed to be punitive, but rather to maintain the integrity of the distance-based fare system. It ensures that all passengers are contributing fairly based on their actual usage of the service.

Imagine taking a short trip, only to be charged for riding the entire line. This unintended deduction can quickly add up, impacting your transportation budget. Beyond the financial implications, it creates an unnecessary hassle. You might need to contact PRESTO customer service to rectify the issue and obtain a refund, which requires time and effort.

The solution is simple: Make tapping off a part of your routine. Just as you instinctively reach for your keys or phone, make it a habit to tap off your PRESTO card before leaving the station platform. A quick tap can save you money and frustration in the long run. Think of it as the final punctuation mark on your GO Transit journey – a small action that ensures a fair and accurate fare.