Josh Bergant, News Reporter
Humber finds out later this month whether its three major campuses get a PRESTO machine.
PRESTO machines capable of loading PRESTO cards are available at both subway stations and GO Transit stations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. However, none of Humber College campuses at North, Lakeshore, and Carrier Drive campuses, have access to PRESTO machines and their corresponding cards.
TTC tokens, previously a staple of the city’s transit system, are also being phased out as of Nov. 30.
The topic of a PRESTO machine has been discussed among members of IGNITE for several years and has until recently been among the main campaign promises of some candidates.
Devon Fernandes with Sustainability Humber said ongoing negotiations with Metrolinx — the provincial body governing transit construction and planning in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area — involves the price, placement and timing of delivery. Price and placement are both elements that are being ironed out.
Students can expect to see the machines “as early as late November,” Fernandes said.
“I’m all for students voices,” he said. “If they have any specific questions or concerns about PRESTO they should contact me and learn more about the process.”
Rob Corail, a first-year Tourism management student, said he’s enthusiastic about a PRESTO machine and the entire concept of the TTC in general. His other main mode of transportation is a skateboard emblazoned with a TTC subway map at the bottom.
Loading and buying a PRESTO card should involve a lot less hassle than it does, Corail said.
“I have to load my card at Kipling station usually. It would be super convenient to have one on campus,” he said.