Can I tap my PRESTO card twice for two people?

The Myth of the Double Tap: Can You Use One PRESTO Card for Two Riders?

Navigating public transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is made significantly easier with a PRESTO card. These reusable payment cards offer a convenient way to pay your fare on buses, subways, and trains. However, a common question arises, especially amongst families or groups traveling together: can you tap the same PRESTO card twice in a row to pay for two people? The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding no.

While the thought of simplifying payments by using a single card for multiple riders might seem appealing, the PRESTO system is specifically designed for individual use. Each PRESTO card is essentially linked to a single rider’s fare.

Why the Double Tap Doesn’t Work:

The reason you can’t double-tap a single PRESTO card for multiple passengers boils down to the technology and programming behind the system. When you tap your card on a PRESTO reader, it registers a single fare for the holder of that specific card. Tapping it a second time in rapid succession won’t register a second fare. Instead, the system will likely interpret the second tap as an error or a potential card malfunction, effectively ignoring it.

Imagine trying to pay for two coffees with the same debit card, tapping it twice consecutively on the same machine. It simply won’t work. The PRESTO system operates under a similar principle.

The Correct Way to Pay for Multiple Riders:

So, what’s the solution when traveling with others? The most straightforward answer is: each person needs their own PRESTO card. This ensures accurate fare payment and avoids any potential issues during your journey.

Having individual PRESTO cards also offers additional benefits:

• Personalized Options: Each rider can set up their own PRESTO account, which allows them to access student discounts, senior fares, or other personalized options they may be eligible for.
• Automatic Reload: Individual accounts allow for auto-reload functionality, ensuring that each card is always funded and ready to use.
• Account Security: Separating cards ensures that if one card is lost or stolen, the impact is limited to that individual account.

In conclusion, while the idea of using a single PRESTO card for multiple riders is tempting in its simplicity, it’s simply not how the system is designed to function. To ensure smooth and accurate travel across the GTHA, each person needs their own individual PRESTO card, personalized to their specific needs and allowing for seamless integration with the transit system.