The TTC will phase in paper ticket fares this week as the commission deals with increased demand for tokens before a fare hike comes into effect next year.

Vendors will be selling tickets within three to four days or as early as Monday afternoon, TTC spokesperson Brad Ross says, to ensure there is a sufficient supply of tokens to meet the normal demand in January after the fare increases come into effect.

Temporary adult tickets will cost the same as the current token price of five for $11.25 or 10 for $22.50.

The tickets will not be sold after January 2, 2010. Customers with temporary adult tickets after that date will be required to add 25 cents to the farebox with their ticket to match the new 2010 adult token fare of $2.50. Cash fares will rise from $2.75 to $3.

Tokens will continue to be sold while supplies last, Ross says.

There’s no limit on the number of temporary tickets people can purchase, but after Jan. 31, 2010 the ticket will not be accepted without an additional $0.25.

The TTC says without adding tickets to the system, it could lose over $5 million in revenue next year due to token hoarding.

Tokens will continue to be accepted as fare and single tokens can still be purchased at token vending machines throughout the subway system.