What happens if I forget to tap off GO bus?

Consequences of Forgetting to Tap Off on GO Buses

As a GO Transit passenger, it is crucial to remember to tap off when disembarking a GO bus. Failure to do so will trigger a fare deduction from your PRESTO card. This charge is known as a “missed tap-off” and is intended to ensure fare equity.

When a passenger taps on but forgets to tap off, the PRESTO system is unable to determine the actual distance traveled and the correct fare to be charged. To prevent passengers from unintentionally underpaying for their journey, a default deduction is applied to cover the potential maximum fare.

It is important to note that the missed tap-off charge is not an additional fare. It is a deduction that covers the missed tap-off and ensures that all passengers pay the appropriate fare for their journey. By tapping off promptly, you can avoid any unexpected deductions from your PRESTO balance.

How to Tap Off Correctly

To avoid missed tap-off charges, always remember to tap off your PRESTO card at the designated reader located at the bus door. Once you have tapped off successfully, you will hear a beep and see a green light on the reader.

Benefits of Tapping Off

In addition to avoiding missed tap-off charges, tapping off promptly also provides the following benefits:

• Accurate fare calculation: Tapping off allows the system to determine the exact distance traveled and charge the correct fare.
• Reduced wait times: Quick and efficient tapping off helps reduce wait times for boarding and disembarking passengers.
• Data collection: Tapping off helps GO Transit collect data on passenger travel patterns, which enables them to improve service and plan for future upgrades.

Conclusion

Tapping off when exiting a GO bus is an essential step in ensuring fare equity and a smooth travel experience for all passengers. By remembering to tap off promptly, you can avoid unexpected deductions from your PRESTO balance and contribute to the overall efficiency of the GO Transit system.