TTC subway stations getting debit, credit payment options

Toronto Mayor John Tory speaks to reporters at Victoria Park Station on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014.

Commuters will soon be able to use debit and credit cards to pay their fares at subway stations across the city.

Currently, only select stations accept debit and credit, but Toronto Mayor John Tory announced Tuesday, that the TTC is working on giving commuters the payment options at all 69 subway stops.

"In our system today, there are still far too many places where you can't buy your fares with a debit card or with a credit card," Tory said at a joint conference with TTC CEO Andy Byford and TTC Chair Josh Colle.

"In a global city like Toronto, the idea that most transactions would have to take place with cash is something that is almost prehistoric."

Tory said riders will be able to pay electronically at all collector booths, at all subway stations, starting Jan. 1, 2015.

Under the new system, riders will be able to use debit or credit cards to purchase a minimum of 10 tokens or tickets. They can also use debit or credit to buy Metropasses and day passes.

Those who wish to buy fewer than 10 fares will still have to pay cash. The limit has been set at 10 in order to prevent delays at collection booths, Byford told reporters at Victoria Park Station.

Byford said that there would be major delays if every customer used a debit or credit card to buy individual tokens, but if they're buying at least 10 at a time, there will be fewer transactions.

The TTC is also exploring a "wave-and-pay" option for single cash fares to be rolled out in the summer, Colle said.