Tech Review: Precise ParkLink Technology Makes Paying for Transit Effortless
2 min read
Whether you’re a visitor or frequent commuter, technology plays a big role in fare payment. Making the transaction effortless means better compliance, defined transfer limits, and reduced fare evasion—an ongoing challenge for transit agencies that have adopted proof-of-payment policies.
Agencies like the Toronto Transit Commission and GO Transit (a regional transit network in southern Ontario) have similarly increased proof-of-payment routes where customers pay at a kiosk or machine and carry a transfer to validate with a fare inspector. For GO Transit, this means paying at the station before boarding a GO Train, or on a TTC streetcar, you pay upon boarding.
Powering Toronto’s streetcar network
Given the flow of passengers from stop to stop, quick payment processing is key to managing crowding and bunching. Technology plays a key role and Precise ParkLink pay stations have proven to fit the bill. Resembling the technology found in many parking meters, Precise ParkLink’s Strada pay stations are familiar to riders meaning the payment process is simple, straightforward, and moves people through faster. Customers can pay using cash or TTC tokens, and riders can choose from a variety of programmed fares from adults to seniors and students. A proof-of-payment receipt prints with a validated date and time so customers know when their ride is going to expire.
Flexible and scaleable
For users of the GO Transit network in the Greater Toronto Area, the agency has implemented Precise ParkLink’s technology to make commuting a breeze. Simple-to-use pay stations means riders can purchase single-ride tickets and maintain their PRESTO payment card using a variety of payments from cash, debit, and credit card across the range of fares offered. Riders of Metrolinx’s Union-Pearson Express transporting customers between downtown Toronto and Toronto Pearson International Airport can easily vend single-ride tickets using the same machines for adults, senior and student, accessibility companions, and more.
Ease of use
Having a streamlined interface that customers recognize and are familiar with is key. With GO Transit and UP Express offering similar user experiences, and the TTC riders utilizing a familiar machine to purchase and validate fares, passengers will have fewer questions and can purchase a fare quickly if their ride is approaching. These solutions are easily scalable, customizable to the payment environment of each agency, and can adapt to growing digital payment needs.
Final thoughts
Fare evasion is one of the largest ways transit agencies lose revenue. Often fares aren’t paid because the technology presents itself as a barrier—whether it’s malfunctioned or too complicated. When designing technology for urban mobility, familiarity and efficiency are key to success. Whether it’s an onboard vending solution that resembles a similar experience to purchasing a parking ticket or an intuitive kiosk that can issue a ride in seconds, Precise ParkLink technology can be adapted to any size transit agency with great success.
Winston Sih
Technology Journalist