The Presto fare payment system being rolled out by Metrolinx throughout the Toronto area and Ottawa is supposed to make fare payment for transit riders easier. Transit users would be able to use one card to ride all the transit systems in the Toronto area which would remove the necessity of carrying tickets, tokens, passes and other transit brick a brack. The dream of modern reliable fare payment options appeared to have dawned on the Toronto area after years in the darkness of tokens and easily counterfitable tickets. Torontoians would finally join the ranks of Hong Kong and New York City transit riders with modern flexible transit fare payment technology. The dream and optimism was there in the beginning, but then Metrolinx and it's contractors have fallen apart.
In the beginning everything seemed to be working as it should be on a major roll out. GO Transit, a division of Metrolinx, started testing the card technology on the Lakeshore West Train line. As with any well designed project, there was to be kinks when items leave the lab. Even Google Beta Tests new technologies before rolling them out to all users (e.g. Gmail, Maps, etc.). Grand designs for roll out of the technology in 2011 and 2012 went from there.
Then the technological issues and lack of planning started to arise. First the Toronto's TTC refused to adopt the Presto card as it called the technology outdated because the card was the only way to pay the fare instead of allowing for credit cards, Presto Cards and, eventually, cell phones to be used. The TTC initially said it would undertake it's own tender process for a more advanced fare payment system provided by the private sector. But after exploring a few options, it was determined Presto would be the best choice as the province was willing to provide some funding for implementation. However, the TTC currently only has select stations that connect with regional transit on the Presto system. Thus, presently the largest transit system in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is not using Presto to it's fullest potential and is unlikely to until the next year.
Technological problems and secrecy are prevalent in roll out of Presto. Only the good news is trumpeted by Metrolinx and the transit agencies in the Toronto area. Delays and technological glitches go unexplained. A prime example was the roll out of the Presto Card with York Region's YRT System. The promised date of March 28th 2011 came and went with no communication from YRT. I commented at the time it left riders and taxpayers confused: .
Recently York Region Transit (YRT) has delayed the launch of the Presto Card on it's system from Monday March 28th to some unknown date. Yorkregion.com reports that the Region of York's Transportation Department, which YRT is under, refuses to comment on why the delay. This is despite a report to the Region's Transportation comittee's March 2nd meeting from the transportation department making no mention of a delay and that March 28th was the target date. As well there was no mention of the Presto delay in the Region of York's council minutes for March 24, 2011. One would think that an update to government officials on why delayed roll out would be required as there is signicant amount of the regional and provincial money being invested. But politicians, YRT Customers and taxpayers are left without answers even after a news reporter asked questions.
YRT, as per usual practice, rolled out the marketing campaign for Presto in March 2011 with bus wraps, newsletter advertisments and much much more. But no explanation came forth on why Presto was delayed or what the issues were for the delay. It was all hush hush because, quite frankly, Presto might become an embarassment for both YRT and Metrolinx if the real reasons came out.
Fast forward to July 2011 and at least some of real reasons finally came out. Presto was not ready for prime time at YRT. The lack of advertising for the July 2011 was pretty noticeable. Optics didn't look good for YRT's Marketing department as it appeared they blew their Presto advertising budgets on the March 2011 roll out with nothing to show for it. No newspaper advertisments were put out and YRT's transit newsletter, My Transit, had been printed in May. But that was not to say YRT didn't blow the budget with the roll out of Presto though. I commented more on that roll out back in July 2011. Bottom line, advertising was overblown and a weak overpiced roll out occurred.
Then the technology and inital set up of the Presto cards started to become evident. Yorkregion.com reported several issues with the incorrect set up of cards which resulted in children and students being charged adult fares. The only place to resolve these issues? YRT's Transit Office open a very conveinent 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday.
Add to that issues with the cards themselves malfunctioning with YRT's Finest Fare Enforcement Officers with the below being a prime example:
Two weeks ago on CBC Radio's Metro Morning with Matt Galloway, a freelance reporter reported that he tapped his Presto Card at Finch Station and boarded a northbound VIVA Blue bus. YRT's Transit Enforcement was on the VIVA bus checking fares. They tapped the reporter's card to show he hadn't paid. He disembarked the bus with the transit enforcement team and tapped the Presto Machine he used and it showe he paid. In the meantime, the VIVA Blue bus pulled out without the reporter on the bus for which he duly paid his fare and he was made to look like a fare evading scofflaw when in fact the reporter had fully paid his fare and was entitled to board the bus. There was no word of an apology from York Region Transit or Presto.
If that was not enough, when confronted about the issues with Presto, YRT and the Region of York clammed right up. Bruce McCuaig, the President of Metrolinx, was on CBC Radio's Metro Morning and was interviewed at the time by Matt Galloway. McCuaig refused to apologize for these indicences but did point out there would be technological glitches from time to time.
YRT even tried to paint the roll out of Presto as successful. YRT General Manager Rick Leary claimed the rollout was successful as only eight complaints had been registered. I took Leary's claims to task in a posting in August 2011.
YRT continues to struggle with acceptance by it's passengers with Presto as the only place to load obtain or load a card in person is the very convenient YRT Office open only during regular working hours. Add to this YRT passengers can only use Presto for 10 ride ticket function which basically gives one ride free for every 10 taken. Unfortunately, weekly and monthly passes are not available at this time and the only place to obtain a card authoried by York Region is the YRT office which is open during not very convenient hours, but there are is promises to roll out to retail locations in the future.
The City of Ottawa has also run into issues in rolling out Presto. Ottawa was expected to piggy back the roll out of the card after the Toronto area had successfully completed it. The main issue in Ottawa though is someone at Metrolinx believed the Presto System was ready for a more advanced version two. This was despite Version 1 of the Presto System not being fully implemented or used in the Greater Toronto Area. As an example, in York Region, Presto Cards can only be purchased from YRT Head Office in Richmond Hill and not commercial retailers. As well the cards only work for single ride fares in replacement of the ten rides worth of tickets and is not available for monthly pass holders who continue to use paper passes.
The new system in Ottawa optically looks better than the YRT version with larger screens and tap on and off points at each bus entrance and exit. However, it currently doesn't work to several technical issues including:
a) Presto system rebooting when cards are tapped.
b) Presto taking minutes to boot up when the bus is started.
c) Cards being debited once, twice or not at all.
The City of Ottawa had spent numerous amount on promotion of the new Presto System for an expected roll out of July 1st. Even a month before Metrolinx said the system was ready for launch in Ottawa. In fact Metrolinx continues to advertise that Presto will be launched in Summer of 2012 on their Presto website. Thus, City of Ottawa council is quite upset with Metrolinx and is investigating repayment of some of the costs associated with Presto.
Bruce McQuaig, still the President of Metrolinx, replied to the question of the City of Ottawa receiving any compensation for Metrolinx's delays in implementation:
“offset reasonable and documented and unavoidable costs in the areas we have agreed.”- Ottawa Citizen article.
Translation: the City of Ottawa is out of luck in attempting to get any money back on the unproven Presto Technology without reams of paperwork itemizing line by line costing which will suck more staff time than any cheque from Metrolinx would compensate for.
The only difference in terms of Presto between York Region Transit (YRT) and OC Transpo (City of Ottawa's Transit System) is the relationship with Metrolinx. YRT needs Metrolinx as it is the agency who decides on funding for future transit projects within the Greater Toronto Area. Whereas, the City of Ottawa plans and seeks funding for it's own transit operations and expansion. Thus, Ottawa is not as beholden to Metrolinx as York Region Transit is for the future.
For the future, OC Transpo and Metrolinx are working on a February 2013 roll out. City of Ottawa has approved a new fair structure for the interim period that mirrors the discounts for ridersherip for Presto. Metrolinx and it's contractor are working on tweaking the Presto system and continuing testing. This all seems very promising that the city is communicating so far with it's ridership on how Presto's issues are being resolved.
Metrolinx is acting though is nothing wrong in Ottawa. The Presto website does not mention the delay and still points to a summer 2012 roll out. It was only interested in doing damage control by sending it's President and Vice-President to take the heat from the Cit of Ottawa's Transportation Committee. There were no answers at the time on how the city would be refunded money spent promoting Presto or the delayed roll out. Metrolinx has also failed to apologize to both YRT and OC Transpo customers for the delayed roll out and technical glitches that befell both systems.
Ottawa needs to continue to communicate with it's ridership, councillors, and taxpayers on the progress and hinderances of Presto. The City needs to learn from the YRT and other Toronto area municipal transit systems in failing to communicate with it's stakeholders about the roll out of Presto. Failure to do so could leave bad optics to riders and lower the trust of ridership in the transit agency itself.
Metrolinx needs to realize it is in a communications quagmire. It has failed to roll out the technology to all the systems on time without any technological issues. Both YRT and OC Transpo are prime examples of poor planning on implementing new technology. The systems were promised to transit users and taxpayers and then delayed due to technological or other undisclosed issues. On top of that, Metrolinx then tried to release the second version of Presto while the first version was not fully rolled out anywhere as advertised to replace both monthly passes and 10 ride ticket equivalents. While all of this is going on, Metrolinx has painted the picture that nothing is wrong and Presto is a great system that we are confident in. To bad many transit users in both York Region and Ottawa beg to differ.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Get out of the Line!
Recently I visited McDonald's in Aurora for a morning coffee and muffin before starting work. I walk in on an otherwise relatively quiet Wednesday to the usual one cashier/server working the line. However, the line fairly lengthy and not really moving.
The first customer in line is a mother with an 8 year old who is ordering while the mother looked on. Now eight year olds (and others who are younger) are funny people, you ask them a question and they get thrown for a loop. They love routine and once focused on something they are good to go. That was the case of this 8 year old at McDonald's.
That was until the cashier asked if he would like his Egg McMuffin Sandwich in a combo. He was stunned, then he couldn't remember the rest of his order and things deteriorated from there. The rest of the line behind him started to get restless. Here was a proud 8 year taking his mother out for breakfast for what seemed to be her birthday with his very own money. A proud day for any kid to say "no Mom, I got this one" and things were starting to go downhill.
But kudos to this kid though, he looked at his mother for a little guidance. She smiled and said a combo was fine. But then came the next question for this flustered kid...how would you like your coffee? Stunned silence from the kid. Mom hung him out to dry on this one. The line grew restless again about lack of progress. No help from McDonald's management on this one either, no manager acting Saintish and swooping in to open another till to make things right.
Eventually the kid clicked in, finished up the coffee order and rhymed his order off.
Fast forward to lunch a couple of days later. Two tills open for lunch. A single lady who probably is old enough to remember when McDonald's opened, is contemplating her chicken sandwich "grilled or crispy". She spent at least 5 minutes in line staring at the menu wondering what to order. She then contemplates "crispy or grilled?" and to make matters worse "fries or salad"...hmmm decisions, decisions....
The other till has three kids and a mother who is trying to select the toys for the happy meal. The oldest says "I don't care which one I get" from the 10 different choices. The youngest is furious that the only choice he eyed, McDonald's happens to be out of stock. What ever happenned to McDonald's only offering one toy per week and changing it up week in and week out? Too many choices and so much indecision. Face it, McDonald's customers are not exactly great at choices...combo or no combo? Crispy or grilled? Would you like to upgrade your meal for an extra $0.49? and on and on it goes.
Some days I feel just like John Pinette at McDonald's......
The first customer in line is a mother with an 8 year old who is ordering while the mother looked on. Now eight year olds (and others who are younger) are funny people, you ask them a question and they get thrown for a loop. They love routine and once focused on something they are good to go. That was the case of this 8 year old at McDonald's.
That was until the cashier asked if he would like his Egg McMuffin Sandwich in a combo. He was stunned, then he couldn't remember the rest of his order and things deteriorated from there. The rest of the line behind him started to get restless. Here was a proud 8 year taking his mother out for breakfast for what seemed to be her birthday with his very own money. A proud day for any kid to say "no Mom, I got this one" and things were starting to go downhill.
But kudos to this kid though, he looked at his mother for a little guidance. She smiled and said a combo was fine. But then came the next question for this flustered kid...how would you like your coffee? Stunned silence from the kid. Mom hung him out to dry on this one. The line grew restless again about lack of progress. No help from McDonald's management on this one either, no manager acting Saintish and swooping in to open another till to make things right.
Eventually the kid clicked in, finished up the coffee order and rhymed his order off.
Fast forward to lunch a couple of days later. Two tills open for lunch. A single lady who probably is old enough to remember when McDonald's opened, is contemplating her chicken sandwich "grilled or crispy". She spent at least 5 minutes in line staring at the menu wondering what to order. She then contemplates "crispy or grilled?" and to make matters worse "fries or salad"...hmmm decisions, decisions....
The other till has three kids and a mother who is trying to select the toys for the happy meal. The oldest says "I don't care which one I get" from the 10 different choices. The youngest is furious that the only choice he eyed, McDonald's happens to be out of stock. What ever happenned to McDonald's only offering one toy per week and changing it up week in and week out? Too many choices and so much indecision. Face it, McDonald's customers are not exactly great at choices...combo or no combo? Crispy or grilled? Would you like to upgrade your meal for an extra $0.49? and on and on it goes.
Some days I feel just like John Pinette at McDonald's......
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Buy your own Newspaper Dam It!
Newspaper reading is quite an art while riding public transit. It is important to keep in mind fellow transit riding customers while trying to navigate your way through a braodsheet newspaper. Tabloid style newspapers like the Toronto Sun and Metro have the advantage as they do not take up as much space or require the acrobatics to turn the pages that a broadsheet, like the Globe & Mail, requires.
Normally I am very cognizant of how full the bus is compared to how much of a sectioned broadsheet paper I have out. If the bus is really full, I have one section out folded in half laying on my lap with a long story to pass the time. Other times when the bus is less full I can get away with leaving the sections on top of my bag on my lap while I read one section. I find this is common courtesy for other riders on the bus
This past week I happened to be reading the Toronto Star on two occasions while enjoying my commute home after a good day at work. The bus was not that busy so I had my bag on my lap with the newspaper sections I was not reading at the time neatly folded while I browsed a section. Both times the bus was not that total stranger sitting next to me leaned over and inquired if they could read a section.
Both times I felt deeply disgusted that someone would have the audacity to inquire about reading a newspaper which you pay for. It is like asking to borrow your shoe so they could wear it. You dutifully paid for said shoe, but now someone, who you have never seen before, is asking to borrow it to wear. It was also not like I had been to the local Metro or 24 Hrs box and pulled out a free copy myself and quite possibly had finished reading it. No, I had picked up the Toronto Star with a purchase of a coffee from the local McDonald's and picked up the paper. Sure I received it for free from McDonald's with the coffee purchase, but all these other bus riders should have assumed was I dutifully paid $1 or $2 of my money from the local box or store. Bottom line, they should have assumed the paper was my property and should have laid off.
In the end, I felt awkward. how in prey tell do I respond? Do I flip a section over? Or do I come up with some lame excuse?
The first time I chose the latter, I said I was getting off the bus in two stops and would be taking the paper with me (i.e. make it seem like they would have zero chance of finishing an article before I left with my newspaper). But as it turned out I was actually get off the bus in four stops, just enough time for the average person to finish a section.
The second time I actually had the perfect excuse. I was asked if they could read the Business section. I replied it was the next section I was going to read. I then read every article in that section possible. The only downfall was it had the Classified section included, which cut down the numbers of pages I could read. In the end I put the entire newspaper in my bag and looked away awkwardly.
In future, I will refrain from putting the newspaper sections I'm not rading on my lap. I will politely leave them in my bag. As the old saying goes, "out of sight out of mind" will hopefully resolve awkward social situations where some stranger asks you to borrow something.
I just hope shoe borrowing isn't the next pet peeve of mine. My size 13s are hard to fit in my bag.
To those of you looking to read the newspaper....BUY YOUR OWN DAM NEWSPAPER!
Normally I am very cognizant of how full the bus is compared to how much of a sectioned broadsheet paper I have out. If the bus is really full, I have one section out folded in half laying on my lap with a long story to pass the time. Other times when the bus is less full I can get away with leaving the sections on top of my bag on my lap while I read one section. I find this is common courtesy for other riders on the bus
This past week I happened to be reading the Toronto Star on two occasions while enjoying my commute home after a good day at work. The bus was not that busy so I had my bag on my lap with the newspaper sections I was not reading at the time neatly folded while I browsed a section. Both times the bus was not that total stranger sitting next to me leaned over and inquired if they could read a section.
Both times I felt deeply disgusted that someone would have the audacity to inquire about reading a newspaper which you pay for. It is like asking to borrow your shoe so they could wear it. You dutifully paid for said shoe, but now someone, who you have never seen before, is asking to borrow it to wear. It was also not like I had been to the local Metro or 24 Hrs box and pulled out a free copy myself and quite possibly had finished reading it. No, I had picked up the Toronto Star with a purchase of a coffee from the local McDonald's and picked up the paper. Sure I received it for free from McDonald's with the coffee purchase, but all these other bus riders should have assumed was I dutifully paid $1 or $2 of my money from the local box or store. Bottom line, they should have assumed the paper was my property and should have laid off.
In the end, I felt awkward. how in prey tell do I respond? Do I flip a section over? Or do I come up with some lame excuse?
The first time I chose the latter, I said I was getting off the bus in two stops and would be taking the paper with me (i.e. make it seem like they would have zero chance of finishing an article before I left with my newspaper). But as it turned out I was actually get off the bus in four stops, just enough time for the average person to finish a section.
The second time I actually had the perfect excuse. I was asked if they could read the Business section. I replied it was the next section I was going to read. I then read every article in that section possible. The only downfall was it had the Classified section included, which cut down the numbers of pages I could read. In the end I put the entire newspaper in my bag and looked away awkwardly.
In future, I will refrain from putting the newspaper sections I'm not rading on my lap. I will politely leave them in my bag. As the old saying goes, "out of sight out of mind" will hopefully resolve awkward social situations where some stranger asks you to borrow something.
I just hope shoe borrowing isn't the next pet peeve of mine. My size 13s are hard to fit in my bag.
To those of you looking to read the newspaper....BUY YOUR OWN DAM NEWSPAPER!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Swilling in Yogurty's Yogurt
After some lunch at Moxie's, my wife and I headed South on Yonge Street to Yogurty's (4922 Yonge Street, Toronto) with our Dealfind coupons in hand to try out this serve yourself frozen yogurt dessert place.
As we entered, we waited for the attendent to finish up with a previous customer. Once the customer left, the attendent came over to welcome us to Yogurty's and inquire if we had. We replied we had not but also wanted to know if our Dealfind coupon would be valid before we began putting together our tastey treat. The attendend said our coupon was valid and then led us on a tour of the location and how things operated.
The store concept is pretty simple and exactly like Menchies. The customer is complete control of the
After the attendent left us we started in to make our sundaes. I tried some strawberry and creamsicle frozen yogurt mixed with some strawberries and peanut chunks. My wife enjoyed som green tea flavoured frozen yogourt. The only complaint, besides the price, was the frozen yogourt was a little soft for our liking.
After paying($10.00 and change for two desserts) we walked northward on Yonge Street doing some people watching and window shopping. Overall it an decent visit, but I would have to head back again to give it another try to see if it is worth it or if the frozen yogourt is too soft for our liking.
As we entered, we waited for the attendent to finish up with a previous customer. Once the customer left, the attendent came over to welcome us to Yogurty's and inquire if we had. We replied we had not but also wanted to know if our Dealfind coupon would be valid before we began putting together our tastey treat. The attendend said our coupon was valid and then led us on a tour of the location and how things operated.
The store concept is pretty simple and exactly like Menchies. The customer is complete control of the
After the attendent left us we started in to make our sundaes. I tried some strawberry and creamsicle frozen yogurt mixed with some strawberries and peanut chunks. My wife enjoyed som green tea flavoured frozen yogourt. The only complaint, besides the price, was the frozen yogourt was a little soft for our liking.
After paying($10.00 and change for two desserts) we walked northward on Yonge Street doing some people watching and window shopping. Overall it an decent visit, but I would have to head back again to give it another try to see if it is worth it or if the frozen yogourt is too soft for our liking.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
This place has Moxie to Grill
Had lunch at Moxie's Grill & Bar (4950 Yonge Street, Toronto) for an adventure for some good food. We entered to no one at the front desk. But at least they left a note saying to head toward the main restaurant area where they would be more than happy to see seat you.
We were greeted by a hostess who ushered us to our seats, waited for us to sit down, handed us the menu and then speeled on about how Moxie's had chef Alex Chen. She also pointed out that Alex cooked in Beverly Hills, yadda, yadda, yadda, etc. etc. She then told us our server would be "Monica" and then dissappeared.
We perused our menues and made a decision on what to eat and drink while waiting for Monica to appear.
Monica stopped by to review again the menu with us including the Saturday specials on drinks and, of course, how great Alex Chen was.
Really, Alex is that good? Between the hostess and Monica, it seemed Alex Chen was rattling the pots and pans in this very three quarter empty establishment. However, don't dare ask to speak to Alex as he really is only probably paid royalties for his recipes crafted for Moxies and the use of his likeness in all the over top marketing. I bet you Alex has yet to set even 1 foot inside a Moxies in Canada. But I digress....
Monica, our server, is an interesting person. She is quite bubbly in an over the top "I'm trying to hard to please you..." type that seems a little to fake for my liking. But she was quick to ensure our order was taken right and brought to our table. But while taking our order I lost count the times she said the word "sure" when acknowledging what we wanted before asking us if we wanted bacon, cheese, etc. that she could upsell us on with our meal. She was also a fairly noisy person as we could clearly hear her conversation with the manager while she gathered drinks at the bar even though we were a fair distance away. So much for a nice quiet afternoon lunch with my wife before enjoying some nice weather in the north end of Toronto.
Our Order: Classic Beef Burger with fries and water and The Mediterranean Burger with fries and Coke
Monicadissappeared (Edit: "travelled to the bar", can't really dissepear if I can hear you the entire way to and from the bar) and returned with our drinks in quick order. She also took this time to inquire if we wanted anything else like appetizers, etc. We politely declined but it seemed she was just doing her job in attempting to upsell us on additional menu items.
Ten minutes later Monica returned with our food. On first observation it seemed Moxie's had skimped on quantities. Our burgers looked delicious but the fries came in metal bowl like structure to ensure they didn't splay across our plate. The bowled fries made the plate look mostly empty. Add to this the ketchup comes in a small condiment bowl instead of in a bottle to put on the table. I wonder if this method of ketchup serving is to make the place look upscale or an easy way to cut condiment costs.
But the quality of the food makes up for the skimpyness on the fries and the lack in appearance in quantity of food.
The Mediterranean Burger was delicious with tastey pesto dripping out of it. The burger meat itself was juicey yet taste. A well prepared burger. The fries rivalled the burger in taste being freshly cut and appeared to be carefully prepared. However, the fries were way to salty which caused me to go drink loads of coke. But perhaps the saltiness is on purpose as it usually ensures customers drink more beer and thus increase the restaurant's profits. The ketchup though proved a little skimpy, I was having to carefully wipe the last dregs out of the small stainless steel cup when finishing up the last few fries. A little more ketchup could be provided or perhaps, horrors of horrors, a Heinz bottle could be offered to allow the customer to apportion their own ketchup.
The Classic Burger was exactly the same as the Mediterranean Burger however, sans the pesto and some other toppings. No worries, the same salty fries are offered in the exact same portions as it's European styled counterpart.
Overall, Moxies is a nice place for a Saturday afternoon lunch. Normally it is a quiet place to eat overlooking the waterfall to the Extreme Fitness Centre entrance and decent people watching of the passing pedestrians on Yonge Street.
We were greeted by a hostess who ushered us to our seats, waited for us to sit down, handed us the menu and then speeled on about how Moxie's had chef Alex Chen. She also pointed out that Alex cooked in Beverly Hills, yadda, yadda, yadda, etc. etc. She then told us our server would be "Monica" and then dissappeared.
We perused our menues and made a decision on what to eat and drink while waiting for Monica to appear.
Monica stopped by to review again the menu with us including the Saturday specials on drinks and, of course, how great Alex Chen was.
Really, Alex is that good? Between the hostess and Monica, it seemed Alex Chen was rattling the pots and pans in this very three quarter empty establishment. However, don't dare ask to speak to Alex as he really is only probably paid royalties for his recipes crafted for Moxies and the use of his likeness in all the over top marketing. I bet you Alex has yet to set even 1 foot inside a Moxies in Canada. But I digress....
Monica, our server, is an interesting person. She is quite bubbly in an over the top "I'm trying to hard to please you..." type that seems a little to fake for my liking. But she was quick to ensure our order was taken right and brought to our table. But while taking our order I lost count the times she said the word "sure" when acknowledging what we wanted before asking us if we wanted bacon, cheese, etc. that she could upsell us on with our meal. She was also a fairly noisy person as we could clearly hear her conversation with the manager while she gathered drinks at the bar even though we were a fair distance away. So much for a nice quiet afternoon lunch with my wife before enjoying some nice weather in the north end of Toronto.
Our Order: Classic Beef Burger with fries and water and The Mediterranean Burger with fries and Coke
Monica
Ten minutes later Monica returned with our food. On first observation it seemed Moxie's had skimped on quantities. Our burgers looked delicious but the fries came in metal bowl like structure to ensure they didn't splay across our plate. The bowled fries made the plate look mostly empty. Add to this the ketchup comes in a small condiment bowl instead of in a bottle to put on the table. I wonder if this method of ketchup serving is to make the place look upscale or an easy way to cut condiment costs.
But the quality of the food makes up for the skimpyness on the fries and the lack in appearance in quantity of food.
The Mediterranean Burger was delicious with tastey pesto dripping out of it. The burger meat itself was juicey yet taste. A well prepared burger. The fries rivalled the burger in taste being freshly cut and appeared to be carefully prepared. However, the fries were way to salty which caused me to go drink loads of coke. But perhaps the saltiness is on purpose as it usually ensures customers drink more beer and thus increase the restaurant's profits. The ketchup though proved a little skimpy, I was having to carefully wipe the last dregs out of the small stainless steel cup when finishing up the last few fries. A little more ketchup could be provided or perhaps, horrors of horrors, a Heinz bottle could be offered to allow the customer to apportion their own ketchup.
The Classic Burger was exactly the same as the Mediterranean Burger however, sans the pesto and some other toppings. No worries, the same salty fries are offered in the exact same portions as it's European styled counterpart.
Overall, Moxies is a nice place for a Saturday afternoon lunch. Normally it is a quiet place to eat overlooking the waterfall to the Extreme Fitness Centre entrance and decent people watching of the passing pedestrians on Yonge Street.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Wal-Mart Garden Centre Pricing: How Much for this Bag of Fertilizer?
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| How much for Qty 1 Bag of Fertilizer? |
This past weekend I decided to do some work around including weeding and fertilizing the lawn.
On a visit to Wal-Mart in Richmond Hill I visited the garden section to investigate what they had for some mulch and fertilizer.
I picked up one bag of "Schultz Supreme Green Turf Fertilizer" clearly labelled "2 for $18.00". I reviewed the label to see how many bags I would require for what little grass I have. One bag seemed to suffice.
I ventured onward with my shopping to grab some groceries and other household necessities and proceeded to the check out.
Before leaving the store my wife and I, as we always do, reviewed our receipt. We stopped at the itemized listing for the fertlizer. Hmmm... $11.70 can't be right.
We ventured over to the Customer Service Desk at the front of the store to inquire. With no one in line we were quickly greeted. The attendent, who ironically enough had "cashier" on her name tag, scanned the bag and explained that because I only had one bag it was at the regular price.
I replied that the price clearly said "2 for $18" and no where did it say $11.70 if a customer bought one. I said this is a case of misleading advertising and wasn't right. I furthered my point by noting an average customer would think if I purchase quantity one it would be $9.00 unless
otherwise noted.
She replied it was the scanned price is what the price was. I replied to this last claim by pointing out that not all the time was scanned price correct as sometimes the tag on the shelf is cheaper than what is scanned. This of course is why the Government of Canada created the Scanning Code of Practice which Wal-Mart volunteered to adhere to and the Richmond Hill store clearly posted the required label on it's front door. I also pointed out the shelf label in in this case was not clearly marked and the average consumer would believe if one bag was purchased it would cost $9.00.
She replied the correct price is what was scanned in this case.
I asked to speak to the Customer Service Manager.
The Cashier paged the Customer Service Manager three times despite my wife and I witnessing one clearly marked "Customer Service Manager" on her name tag three cashes over replenishing the plastic bags.
Another Customer Service Manager visited us at the front counter and I explained the issue. I also noted the Cashier at the Customer Service Counter in her actions may be unfortunatly leading this store to not live up to the Scanning Code of Practice which Wal-Mart had dutifully agreed to adhere to.
She gave the same answer as the Cashier at the Customer Service Counter.
I said I begged to differ and invited her to visit Garden Centre as I believed this was a Scanning Code of Practice issue. Together we retraced my steps to the Garden Centre and she carried the decently weighted bag with us.
While walking there I inquired if someone from the Garden Centre could join us to review the issue. We happenned to find a gentleman with a handheld scanner. He explained, while we reviewed the fertlizer and the posted price that one bag was at regular price and the sale only happenned if you bought quantity two. I explained my position that this tag was unclear.
A middle aged Wal-Mart customer ventured by to stop and inquire about something else. I asked him politly how much he thought one bag of fertilizer would be. His reply: $9.00.
The Garden Centre employee said it was $11.70 and agreed upon it with the Customer Service Manager.
I asked to speak with Store Manager on this issue. The Customer Service Manager and I left, not before she tried to put back my duly overpriced purchase of fertilizer. I said to her I have duly purchased that bag of fertilizer and have the receipt to prove it, please bring it along so the Store Manager can review this issue.
The Store Manager retraced our steps back to the Garden Centre with the Garden Centre employee to review. He took a three second look a the pricepoint and said the Garden Centre employee that this item was not correctly priced as set out by Wal-Mart policy as there should be indication of what the price was if one of the products was purchased. The Store Manager said he would return in five minutes to show the Garden Centre employee how to properly print the pricing.
The Store Manager returned with me to the Customer Service Counter carrying the bag of fertilizer. I stopped and waited with the Cashier I had visited earlier. The Store Manager instructed her to return the product, then input it under the $9.00 and then discount it under the Scanning Code of Practice.
While the cashier was processing the transactions, the Store Manager said that I was very concientious in pointing out a confusing pricing issue. He said that I would be receiving the fertlizer under the Scanning Code of Practice (i.e. free in this case) and the pricing would be clearly marked. He thanked me for visiting his store and hoped, despite this situation, I would return again.
I replied that I thanked him for his kindness. I left with my wife to a beautiful Saturday afternoon of sunshine and gardening.
On a visit to Wal-Mart in Richmond Hill I visited the garden section to investigate what they had for some mulch and fertilizer.
I picked up one bag of "Schultz Supreme Green Turf Fertilizer" clearly labelled "2 for $18.00". I reviewed the label to see how many bags I would require for what little grass I have. One bag seemed to suffice.
I ventured onward with my shopping to grab some groceries and other household necessities and proceeded to the check out.
Before leaving the store my wife and I, as we always do, reviewed our receipt. We stopped at the itemized listing for the fertlizer. Hmmm... $11.70 can't be right.
We ventured over to the Customer Service Desk at the front of the store to inquire. With no one in line we were quickly greeted. The attendent, who ironically enough had "cashier" on her name tag, scanned the bag and explained that because I only had one bag it was at the regular price.
I replied that the price clearly said "2 for $18" and no where did it say $11.70 if a customer bought one. I said this is a case of misleading advertising and wasn't right. I furthered my point by noting an average customer would think if I purchase quantity one it would be $9.00 unless
otherwise noted.
She replied it was the scanned price is what the price was. I replied to this last claim by pointing out that not all the time was scanned price correct as sometimes the tag on the shelf is cheaper than what is scanned. This of course is why the Government of Canada created the Scanning Code of Practice which Wal-Mart volunteered to adhere to and the Richmond Hill store clearly posted the required label on it's front door. I also pointed out the shelf label in in this case was not clearly marked and the average consumer would believe if one bag was purchased it would cost $9.00.
She replied the correct price is what was scanned in this case.
I asked to speak to the Customer Service Manager.
The Cashier paged the Customer Service Manager three times despite my wife and I witnessing one clearly marked "Customer Service Manager" on her name tag three cashes over replenishing the plastic bags.
Another Customer Service Manager visited us at the front counter and I explained the issue. I also noted the Cashier at the Customer Service Counter in her actions may be unfortunatly leading this store to not live up to the Scanning Code of Practice which Wal-Mart had dutifully agreed to adhere to.
She gave the same answer as the Cashier at the Customer Service Counter.
I said I begged to differ and invited her to visit Garden Centre as I believed this was a Scanning Code of Practice issue. Together we retraced my steps to the Garden Centre and she carried the decently weighted bag with us.
While walking there I inquired if someone from the Garden Centre could join us to review the issue. We happenned to find a gentleman with a handheld scanner. He explained, while we reviewed the fertlizer and the posted price that one bag was at regular price and the sale only happenned if you bought quantity two. I explained my position that this tag was unclear.
A middle aged Wal-Mart customer ventured by to stop and inquire about something else. I asked him politly how much he thought one bag of fertilizer would be. His reply: $9.00.
The Garden Centre employee said it was $11.70 and agreed upon it with the Customer Service Manager.
I asked to speak with Store Manager on this issue. The Customer Service Manager and I left, not before she tried to put back my duly overpriced purchase of fertilizer. I said to her I have duly purchased that bag of fertilizer and have the receipt to prove it, please bring it along so the Store Manager can review this issue.
The Store Manager retraced our steps back to the Garden Centre with the Garden Centre employee to review. He took a three second look a the pricepoint and said the Garden Centre employee that this item was not correctly priced as set out by Wal-Mart policy as there should be indication of what the price was if one of the products was purchased. The Store Manager said he would return in five minutes to show the Garden Centre employee how to properly print the pricing.
The Store Manager returned with me to the Customer Service Counter carrying the bag of fertilizer. I stopped and waited with the Cashier I had visited earlier. The Store Manager instructed her to return the product, then input it under the $9.00 and then discount it under the Scanning Code of Practice.
While the cashier was processing the transactions, the Store Manager said that I was very concientious in pointing out a confusing pricing issue. He said that I would be receiving the fertlizer under the Scanning Code of Practice (i.e. free in this case) and the pricing would be clearly marked. He thanked me for visiting his store and hoped, despite this situation, I would return again.
I replied that I thanked him for his kindness. I left with my wife to a beautiful Saturday afternoon of sunshine and gardening.
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Two Stars for Lone Star
Last night I thought I would return to a restaurant I had not been to in a while, Lone Star Texas Grill (9301 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill).
We had been here a couple of times, leaving not really excited about it, including my last review from 2010.
We entered at about 6:30 PM to be greeted by 3 hostesses. One showed us immediately to our table. Again, like in 2010 asking us if we had been to Lone Star before. Of course we said we did, I let my wife do most of the small talk while we followed the hostess to our table considering, as a gentleman, I live by the old adage "Ladies first!"
We were seated and left to consult our menues in the three quarters full restaurant. The menues seemed a little sparse considering they were pushing the fajitas and steaks while the sandwiches were buried on the back page at the bottom. There were only 7 sandwhices offered with 3 of the choices a variation on the burger. As well the "Po' Boy sandwhich that I had previously and other sandwiches had dissappeared resulting in fewer choices still. Our waitress soon stopped by to share the specials and take our drink orders. She quickley returned with our drinks and we were ready to order.
The Order: 1 “Bubba’s” Smoked Brisket (Texas-style smoked brisket tossed in our Original Texas BBQ sauce and piled on a rustic bun) with fries and Pepsi and 1 The Ranch Burger (A juicy ½ lb. Mesquite-grilled burger topped with lettuce, tomato and onion) with Richmond Hill's finest water somewhat directly piped in.
Our server brought by the usual Lone Star Texas Grill chips and salsa while we waited for our order. She also refilled my Pepsi glass two times (the last as the food was arriving). She was quick on the drink server and a just over fifteen minute wait for the food was understandable and still less than twenty minutes when I start wondering what the heck was going on.
The Smoked Brisket sandwich was small in appearance with a bun that looked well handled while being cut in half. I had expected a hero (sub) size sandwich but instead received a hamburger sized sandwich. The brisket was decent but nothing to write home about. The fries accompanying the substandard sized sandwhich seemed freshly cooked by temperature and quite tastey compared to other pub style fries I've had in the past.
The beef burger was o.k. put a little pricey at more than $11+ with no drink included. The burger was juicey and tangy as you would expect from a Ranch style infused burger. The fries were exactly the same temperature and style as the Smoked Brisket Sandwich.
The only reall hiccup service wise was near the end of the of the evening when our server stopped by. We were just finishing up eating when our server stopped by to inquire if we would like refills on our drinks. We indicated we were fine and were just finishing up. To my amazement she took our glasses with ice and liquid still in them and dissapeared towards the kitchen. Really? It wouldn't of hurt to let us finish up? I was unsure if were being rushed by this tactic or whether it was a simple mistake. Rushed? There were still quite a few tables available at this point in her area and we had not been at the restaurant longer than 45 minutes. She did return after we finished eating to offer us coffee or tea and/or dessert, we politely declined and left.
Overall Lone Star Texas Grill is staffed by high school servers with little experience. Sure they do have corporate training as they greet their customers in a friendly manner with the same techniques used over and over again (i.e. Have you ever been to Lone Star Before? asked when being led to the table). The food is decent taste quality but the portion size seems to have been cut and the prices thus don't really match what you get.
We had been here a couple of times, leaving not really excited about it, including my last review from 2010.
We entered at about 6:30 PM to be greeted by 3 hostesses. One showed us immediately to our table. Again, like in 2010 asking us if we had been to Lone Star before. Of course we said we did, I let my wife do most of the small talk while we followed the hostess to our table considering, as a gentleman, I live by the old adage "Ladies first!"
We were seated and left to consult our menues in the three quarters full restaurant. The menues seemed a little sparse considering they were pushing the fajitas and steaks while the sandwiches were buried on the back page at the bottom. There were only 7 sandwhices offered with 3 of the choices a variation on the burger. As well the "Po' Boy sandwhich that I had previously and other sandwiches had dissappeared resulting in fewer choices still. Our waitress soon stopped by to share the specials and take our drink orders. She quickley returned with our drinks and we were ready to order.
The Order: 1 “Bubba’s” Smoked Brisket (Texas-style smoked brisket tossed in our Original Texas BBQ sauce and piled on a rustic bun) with fries and Pepsi and 1 The Ranch Burger (A juicy ½ lb. Mesquite-grilled burger topped with lettuce, tomato and onion) with Richmond Hill's finest water somewhat directly piped in.
 |
| Lone Star Texas Grill in Richmond Hill |
Our server brought by the usual Lone Star Texas Grill chips and salsa while we waited for our order. She also refilled my Pepsi glass two times (the last as the food was arriving). She was quick on the drink server and a just over fifteen minute wait for the food was understandable and still less than twenty minutes when I start wondering what the heck was going on.
The Smoked Brisket sandwich was small in appearance with a bun that looked well handled while being cut in half. I had expected a hero (sub) size sandwich but instead received a hamburger sized sandwich. The brisket was decent but nothing to write home about. The fries accompanying the substandard sized sandwhich seemed freshly cooked by temperature and quite tastey compared to other pub style fries I've had in the past.
The beef burger was o.k. put a little pricey at more than $11+ with no drink included. The burger was juicey and tangy as you would expect from a Ranch style infused burger. The fries were exactly the same temperature and style as the Smoked Brisket Sandwich.
The only reall hiccup service wise was near the end of the of the evening when our server stopped by. We were just finishing up eating when our server stopped by to inquire if we would like refills on our drinks. We indicated we were fine and were just finishing up. To my amazement she took our glasses with ice and liquid still in them and dissapeared towards the kitchen. Really? It wouldn't of hurt to let us finish up? I was unsure if were being rushed by this tactic or whether it was a simple mistake. Rushed? There were still quite a few tables available at this point in her area and we had not been at the restaurant longer than 45 minutes. She did return after we finished eating to offer us coffee or tea and/or dessert, we politely declined and left.
Overall Lone Star Texas Grill is staffed by high school servers with little experience. Sure they do have corporate training as they greet their customers in a friendly manner with the same techniques used over and over again (i.e. Have you ever been to Lone Star Before? asked when being led to the table). The food is decent taste quality but the portion size seems to have been cut and the prices thus don't really match what you get.
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