The end is nigh for the TTC fare collector. With the eventual full rollout of PRESTO anticipated by the end of next year, ticket booths will be abandoned in favour of roaming customer service agents, who will be able to guide riders in a way that was nearly impossible from behind the glass wall.

A recent TTC report indicates that fare collectors could be phased out as early as next July, but delays with PRESTO likely mean that they will remain in place until at least the end of 2017. It will cost the Commission over $50 million to make changes to its stations to accommodate the shift.

The vast majority of this cost is related to upgrades in station communication technology, including passenger intercoms and significant upgrades to security camera coverage. Customer service agents will also be outfitted with tablets loaded up with TTC and area maps, translation services, and station inspection information.

It's a big change, and given that it depends on the successful implementation of PRESTO, it might take beyond 2017 to see happen, but it is coming. Slowly but surely, the TTC is entering the 21st century of transit service.

Photo by Melinda Sutton on Flickr.