The TTC will roll out the first of its new low-floor, air-conditioned streetcars on Spadina on Aug. 31.

But, contrary to months of promises, the first of those vehicles won’t have working Presto fare card readers.

Presto needs a period of testing before it goes live on the new vehicles, expected to happen on Nov. 3, says a report from TTC CEO Andy Byford to the transit board on Wednesday.

The reason for the delay is in part to ensure the new streetcars and the electronic fare card system work properly together.

“We want to make sure we get it right. We’re not going to test Presto on the first day of the new streetcar,” said TTC spokesman Brad Ross.

Until November, riders will have to pay their fare using the usual methods of tokens, passes and cash.

“The fare payment service on the new streetcars when they go into service will consist only of a single-ride vending machine and ticket validator,” said TTC spokesman Brad Ross.

When Presto does become available on the streetcars, users will need to first tap their card on an electronic reader when they enter the vehicle and then tap a machine on board to get a proof-of-payment receipt/transfer. That second tap is temporary until Presto is fully deployed across the TTC, and is necessary to ensure riders can transfer to the subway or other vehicles that aren’t Presto-equipped.

The first wave of the Presto roll-out on the TTC will continue through 2015 and includes introducing the system at 11 additional subway stations. The 14 stations that already provide Presto readers will also get updated equipment during that period, says Byford’s report.

“Discussions between Metrolinx and TTC continue towards developing an overall schedule for Wave 2 and the full implementation of Presto at the TTC,” says the report.

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