Wow. I wonder how many people actually pay. Have they ever done a study (on GO trains)?

Does the bus driver actually check if you have a ticket before boarding? Is it an honest system? I know some ppl on the GO trains try to get away with not buying a ticket, but those ppl always get caught and end up paying $180 fine compared to a $6.50 ticket (Milton line). Last time GO workers checked tickets, i overhead each of them catching 15+ people without a ticket. =/

I want to ride VIVA. i think i will take a joyride on it next time i have an afternoon free. =)

Good job, Matt the planner.

VIVA has no ads
The entire bus, inside and out, has no ads. I love it! No consumer distractions!
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Not true. All the buses will be equipped with TV screens by the end of the year... and they will be 50% advertising, much like the new screens on the TTC subway stations

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Other notes
-Signal priority has been disabled for the whole system. They seem to have fucked up their scheduling and none of the buses are making the trips in the time they're supposed to, mostly because of the major problems with their ticketing system. As a result, signal priority is messed up as it only works when the bus is behind schedule, but when ALL the buses are behind schedule, it really really messes things up
-The ticket validation machines are a huge problem. Tickets are getting stuck because for some reason they've opted for a design where the machine takes the ticket in instead of the GO system where the user inserts the ticket manually and the machine only stamps it. They also chose the wrong weight of paper, which is making the paper jam problem worse. This is making a nightmare for the whole "pre-boarding" payment system and thus further messing up the schedules

aw let the man dream! I bet all these problems are still making TTC jealous.

:P
Viva looks hot.

VIVA has no ads
The entire bus, inside and out, has no ads. I love it! No consumer distractions!
---

Not true. All the buses will be equipped with TV screens by the end of the year... and they will be 50% advertising, much like the new screens on the TTC subway stations

That sounds cool.. having TV screens on the outside of the bus :P

OMG, I just received a Rider's Manual at my door.
I think I just had a transit orgasm.

Anyways, Laur, you're breaking my heart. I think I'm going to go cry on my lover VIVA's shoulders. Nevertheless, thanks for the VIVA breaking news. :)

Yes, apparently VIVA will be making random checks to see of people's tickets are validated-- just like the GO Train, they will slop you with a hefty fine.

And yes, it's an honour system. And yes, VIVA is HOT! Just like its riders (i.e. me). And no, I don't think they did any GO Train studies, but the random check systems methinks is good.

FYI: Vancouver's SkyTrain is also on an honour system, with the same random check mechanism. Another interesting tidbit is that the SkyTrain requires no operator to drive the train (one only exists for safety reason), unlike the TTC's Scarborough Rapid Transit.

I'm mostly disappointed at those TV-ad systems that Laur says VIVA intends to install, I find them very obtrusive.

Wow, i don't think I've seen someone so excited about the Viva system (well excited enough to take pictures of their trip :p).

I also wish that it was more accessible to those of us not COMPLETELY near hwy 7. If I could take the Viva to school, it would be jawsome. But then, I'd have to get a ride to hwy 7 first... whereas now, I just walk to Steeles for the 53.

Also, WHO does the random checks on the bus?? I know on the Go train, there's the train operator and probably some other random workers on there who can do the random checks. But on the Viva bus, does the DRIVER do the checks? Does he just stop, get out of his seat, and start doing checks or is there some other Viva worker on the bus?

Just curious, I'm not planning to cheat the system anytime.

Though I haven't had the honor to try out your VIVA system it sounds like it totally will kick the TTC's ass in a few years time! It breaks my heart to say this but Way to go York!! Hopefully the system will be super successful and you'll get your VIVA line to your house soon Matt!

And I personally like Ads on the TTC. They're fun to look at when you have nothing else to do.

The only reason why the SRT has a driver is because of the union. They refused the TTC to operate the system automatically because it would take away the job of the driver. Vancouver, on the other hand, did not have subway drivers before hand and started with the automated system: not as much of a problem. The attendant aboard skytrains can drive them in emergencies. They walk about and check fares and be customer service agents. On the SRT, the "drivers" just stand in the box.

Laur:
Yeah, I actually heard that from my boss. It almost seems counter-intuitive especially when the TTC is already so short on cash.

Bev:
I'm not sure who will be checking the validated tickets. Maybe a person just comes onto the bus and checks?

Also, I don't think you know the *real* Matt. This Matt likes to take pictures, lots of them. And yes, I love VIVA-- she's my girlfriend. I think VIVA is a girl.

Hi Matty,

you're been TAGGED! Check out my page for more details. =)

there are like, ticket officers who come round pretty frequently (ie every morning for me!) and quickly check each ticket