A smarter way...sometime after 2010

Torontonians will be enjoying smart card technology on their long commutes according to TTC Chairman Adam Giambrone. This is exciting news for anyone who has ever wanted a seamless ticketing system while traveling throughout the city. Instead of pesky tokens and tickets, imagine using the same rechargeable stored value card while switching between regional transportation, Go Transit and the TTC.

Modeled after the Octopus card used in Hong Kong, Giambrone said smart card technology is the only way to fully protect the TTC from fraud such as fake metropasses. He spoke to Andy Barrie on CBC's Metro Morning today and said the card system would probably be introduced sometime after 2010, but stressed that it is an Ontario government initiative. It is also expected to cost close to a quarter billion dollars.

In Hong Kong, the Octopus card is so successful it has been incorporated into almost all aspects of life. The contactless card can be used at most fast-food chains, drug stores, library photocopiers, parking meters and are even electronic keys for entry into residential buildings.