It’s a small but significant change and, a sign of things to come for Toronto transit riders. In a move to speed up service, the TTC will allow streetcar riders to board through any door on all 11 routes every day, around the clock, starting Monday.

But once customers get inside those doors, there are new proof-of-payment (POP) rules and more fare inspectors on the system to make sure they’re being followed.

It’s the same kind of system used by GO Transit and being recommended across the TTC in 2017 when the Presto card is scheduled to be available on all vehicles.

“When you’re on a streetcar you must have proof of payment. You must show a Metropass or a transfer. No matter where you board, if you intend to take the streetcar or any other mode, take a transfer. It is your receipt, your proof of payment,” said TTC spokesman Brad Ross.

“We want people to have that so they’re not subjected to a potential fine,” he said.

The fines for fare violations on the TTC range from $235 to $425.

It is not going to solve the TTC’s crowding issues. But all-door boarding is a quick, cheap means of speeding up streetcars and improving the dignity and comfort of riders, said Jessica Bell of the TTCriders group.

“Every rider has experienced the frustration of not being able to cram into the front of a streetcar, even though they can see space at the back,” she said.

The TTC is overhauling its entire fare system in preparation for Presto and to encourage riders to pay electronically. In addition to POP on all TTC vehicles, the transit board is considering a single cash fare and on- and off-peak fares.

Ross stresses that there will be transition pains. The TTC is looking for an electronic solution for Presto riders who get short-turned on streetcars, for example. For the time being, riders are being told not to tap their cards a second time when they board the next vehicle. The driver on the short-turning car and in the next car to arrive will announce that instruction so no one is charged twice.

How POP will work on streetcars

If you have a Metropass: Board through any door. Your pass is your proof of payment.

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If you’re using cash, tickets or tokens: Board through the front door and pay your fare. Be sure to get a transfer. It will be your proof of payment.