So I received my Presto card in the mail yesterday. I only intend on using on the TTC between Union & Yonge/Bloor, and I use tokens so I figured it would be a good way to qualify for the transit pass tax rebate.
I went to the website and saw two links - ACTIVATE and REGISTER. I have no clue what the difference is, and the website doesn't make any effort to explain which to choose. I picked REGISTER which didn't do anything, so then I picked ACTIVATE and received a bizarre error message saying "You need to tag on your Presto Card on a device". This message is cryptic for a number of reasons:
1) NOWHERE on the Presto site is the term "tag on". A Google search of the site doesn't turn up one result for the word "tag".
2) How does Presto define a "device". Could I just tap in at a balance checker and activate my card? Or do I have to actually use it at a fare verification terminal?
3) Nowhere in the envelope that came with it was there any clue as to what this meant. You'd think if this required a tap to activate, it would give you a little pamphlet listing your steps to get up and running.
I called Presto this morning and they confirmed that I would, indeed, have to tap it in to activate the card, and that I couldn't simply do it at a balance checker - I'd have to use the card to deduct a fare. I told the agent where I primarily intended to use the card, and he said that they're having some issues with the recently installed TTC readers not being able to activate cards. He said if I go to Union it should be fine, however, since that reader has been up and running for months.
I took a little trip down to Union, however the card wouldn't work - when I tapped I received a message saying that the card was inactive. I asked the TTC collector if she was aware of any issues, and she said there have been problems, so she just waved me through, thankfully.
I just got off the phone with Presto, and was told that there have been issues and they'll escalate this and get back to me. Oddly enough, though, I just received an email which is the same generic "thank you for your message" email you receive when sending in feedback via their website. I think the agent I spoke with simply filled out the same form.
Anyhow, clearly some growing pains. I'm sure they'll work them out soon.