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Ticket machines will ease ferry waits

As reported by the National Post, the Toronto Islands Ferry Docks will soon be updating its notoriously slow ticket-purchasing system. An average of 1.2 million people visit the Islands each year despite the fact that buying tickets is often a lengthy and frustrating process. The ferries are cash only and only a handful of booths serve hundreds of visitors at a time. The city's installation of five self-service machines marks the first attempt to ease the lineup for the popular Toronto destination.

"If I wake up in the morning and decide to go to the island with my children, how can I do that? Can I buy my tickets online?" is the question the city needs to ask, said Brenda Patterson, general manager of the Parks, Forestry and Recreation division."

"Toronto Auditor-General Jeffrey Griffiths issued a report last month that suggested the city look at alternative payment options, such as debit, credit card and online sales. The report also questioned what it called an "outdated" inventory system to monitor revenues that are 90% cash sales."

"An estimated 1.2 million people visit the island each year, bringing in more than $6-million. (As a result of the city workers' strike, revenue was $4.1-million in 2009.) While the 15-minute ferry ride is pleasant, the same cannot often be said of attempts to buy tickets on busy weekends."

read full story here
original source the National Post
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