The TTC unveiled its new “tiny toonie” token yesterday to considerable fanfare (details here), and TTC patrons had better be prepared to get their old tokens out of the sock drawers to use them now, or exchange them next year.

The new tokens, which go on sale this Sunday, are designed to thwart counterfeiters and replace tokens that have been in use in the system for over fifty years. At the end of the year, they will no longer be accepted by operators, although it’s not mentioned whether the turnstiles will be adjusted to accept only the new coins.

Effective January 2, 2007, and until February 28, old tokens can be exchanged for new a Exchange of old tokens for new at selected collector booths at Bloor-Yonge, Finch, Kipling and Warden stations. They can also be exchanged at the TTC Head Office at Davisville station.