TTC users can now board streetcars through any door

A pedestrian walking in front of a streetcar in downtown Toronto, August 3, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

As of Tuesday, Toronto transit users can enter streetcars from any door.

But the city's transit commission is warning customers that they'll still need proof of payment, even if they no longer have to board beside the driver.

The new rules are designed to speed up the transit process and make it easier for travellers, TTC CEO Andy Byford says.

In the past, passengers were required to enter by the front entrance, and make their payments beside the driver, who could monitor who was coming onto the vehicle and make sure everybody paid up. On Jan. 1, 2015, the TTC introduced all-door boarding to the King streetcar line.

Now, the commission is expanding the policy so that passengers can board through any streetcar door on any line, at any time of day, seven days a week.

Under the new system, fare inspectors will patrol the streetcars, checking for proof of payment or POP.

"They'll board vehicles to A) assist customers, but B) just to check that everyone's paid their fare," Byford explained in a TTC video.

Because of this, the transit commission is urging every customer to make sure they keep one of the following proofs of payment on hand while riding transit:

On the old street cars, customers who haven't already bought a ticket or pass must still enter through the front door to pay for their ride and receive a valid transfer from the driver.

On the new street cars, where there are payment stations at each entrance, passengers can enter and pay at any door.

Proof of payment is also required if passengers want to transfer between modes of transportation.

For example, if a rider is transferring from the subway to a bus, they'll need to show proof of payment when the board the bus.

Passengers who refuse to pay TTC fares or improperly use transfers could face a $235 fine, while customers with invalid fares could receive a $425 ticket.

Invalid fares include fares that have expired, have not been validated by TTC staff, or passes from which the validation sticker has not been removed.