Can you have your PRESTO card on your phone?

Ditch the Plastic: Your PRESTO Card Can Now Live on Your Phone (and Smartwatch!)

For years, the iconic green PRESTO card has been a staple for transit riders across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). But the era of fumbling through your wallet or purse for that little piece of plastic might be coming to an end. Good news, tech-savvy commuters: you can now load your PRESTO card directly onto your Android phone and Wear OS smartwatch!

This exciting development streamlines the transit experience, offering a convenient and modern alternative to the traditional card. Imagine no longer having to worry about losing or forgetting your PRESTO. Now, your fare payments are securely accessible with just a tap of your phone or watch.

How Does it Work?

The process is surprisingly straightforward. PRESTO is leveraging the power of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology already built into many Android devices. NFC allows for contactless payment and communication, making your phone or smartwatch act as a virtual PRESTO card.

Here’s the gist:

• Transfer Your Existing Card: The real game-changer is that you can transfer the balance and information from your existing physical PRESTO card to your digital version. This means you don’t have to start from scratch.
• Deactivation is Key: Once the transfer is complete, your physical PRESTO card is deactivated. This prevents duplicate usage and ensures your balance is tied solely to your digital wallet. Think of it as retiring your old plastic companion.
• Easy Payment: To pay your fare, simply tap your phone or smartwatch on the PRESTO reader, just as you would with a physical card. It’s fast, convenient, and eliminates the need to fumble for a card.

The Benefits are Clear:

• Convenience: Always have your PRESTO card with you as long as you have your phone.
• Reduced Clutter: Say goodbye to one less card in your wallet.
• Security: Digital wallets offer enhanced security features compared to physical cards.
• Modernization: Embrace a forward-thinking approach to transit payment.

What You Need:

• An Android phone or Wear OS smartwatch with NFC capability.
• A registered physical PRESTO card.
• The PRESTO app.

Looking Ahead:

This integration of PRESTO with mobile devices is a significant step towards a more seamless and user-friendly transit experience. While currently only available for Android users, the hope is that similar functionality will eventually be extended to other platforms.

The ability to ditch the plastic and embrace the digital revolution for your daily commute is here. So, take advantage of this exciting new feature and experience the convenience of having your PRESTO card right at your fingertips!