How electronic payment systems discourage people of low-income to use public transportation services in Toronto (pictured). Image source: Shutterstock (#435604672)
The change from analogue to digital payment systems for the urban transportation services in Toronto exemplify how marginalized groups are discriminated. First, the technical development involves a great investment that, if invested in public transportation of poorer neighborhoods, could actually improve the economic situation in the respective areas. Secondly, it discriminates low-income people in the way that it is first and foremost designed for being recharged with credit and debit cards. Minimum balances to be able to recharge and an issueing fee add to the financial obstacle to access public transportation and thereby other services.
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