Montreal Bus Payment Methods: A Guide For Tourists

There are several ways to pay for a bus in Montreal. The most common way is by using an OPUS card, which can be purchased at fare collectors or vending machines in any metro station. The card can be loaded with different fare options and allows you to transfer between metro and bus lines. You can also pay with cash on the bus, but you will need exact change. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a digital bus pass was introduced, allowing users to purchase tickets using the Chrono or Transit apps and show their phones to the bus driver.

Using the Opus Card

The OPUS card is a rechargeable smart card that can be used to pay for fares on the STM transit system in Montreal. It is one of the most popular ways to pay for public transportation in the city and can be purchased for CAD$6 at a metro station or through the Chrono app. Here are some detailed instructions on using the OPUS card:

Purchasing the OPUS Card

You can buy the OPUS card from station agents or vending machines in metro stations and at other points of sale. The card costs CAD$6 and must be charged with a fare for at least one trip. It is important to note that the OPUS card is non-refundable and cannot be shared between multiple people travelling together. The card is valid for one rider each and has a four-year expiry.

Reloading the OPUS Card

The OPUS card can be reloaded with various transit fares. You can add single-trip fares, day passes, or monthly passes, depending on your needs. Reloading can be done through the Chrono mobile app or at vending machines, recharging terminals, or ticket booths in the metro stations. You can also reload your card at points of sale throughout the city. If you plan to commute during the busy period around the first of the month, it is recommended to reload your card outside of rush hour or through the app to skip the lines.

Registering the OPUS Card

Registering your OPUS card is advisable to protect your balance in case of theft or loss. Registration can be done in person at any station booth or online through the OPUS card website. In the case of loss or theft, a registered card can be replaced, and any remaining transit fares can be transferred to the new card.

When using the OPUS card on the bus or metro, hold the card above the fare box or card reader. Keep the card steady for a few seconds until it is validated, which is indicated by a green or yellow light and an audio beep. The OPUS card can be used for transfers between metro and bus lines without paying an additional fare. The card will automatically calculate the transfer, and you will not need to pay a second time unless you exit the station.

Paying with cash

If you're looking to pay with cash for your bus fare in Montreal, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, the bus fare in Montreal is currently $3.75 CAD. You can pay this fare in cash directly to the bus driver as you board the bus. Make sure to use the exact change, as there are no change dispensers on the buses.

When paying in cash, you will be given a ticket by the driver. This ticket is valid for 120 minutes and allows you to transfer between metro and bus lines. However, you cannot make return trips or interrupt your trip to take another bus on the same route. The ticket will have the date and time stamped on the back, along with an expiry date. Keep the ticket with you during your trip, as you may be asked to show it to an inspector.

If you prefer, you can also purchase magnetic cards from ticket booth attendants or vending machines in metro stations. These cards are valid for a single trip on the bus, metro, train, and REM networks in Zone A. The magnetic cards function in a similar way to the paper tickets, with the date, time, and expiry date stamped on the back. Insert the card into the red slot in the turnstyle or fare box to validate, and then retrieve it to keep as proof of payment.

While paying with cash is a straightforward option, there are also other methods available, such as the Opus Card, which is a popular choice among locals.

Using the L'occasionnelle card

The L'occasionnelle card is a short-term smart card designed for occasional users and tourists in Montreal. It can be purchased from all fare vending machines or fare collectors at metro stations, as well as over 400 different businesses across the city. The card uses smart card technology and can be loaded with various fare options, including single trips, 1-day, 3-day, and weekend passes.

The L'occasionnelle card is ideal for those who plan to use public transportation for a limited time, as it can only be loaded once and disposed of after it expires. The pass offers unlimited travel on the STM Metro and Buses for the duration of its validity, providing significant savings compared to purchasing single fares for each trip.

Here's a step-by-step guide on using the L'occasionnelle card:

• Purchase the L'occasionnelle card from any metro station or participating business in Montreal.
• Load your desired fare option onto the card. You can choose from 2 trips (return fare), an unlimited evening pass, a 1-day pass, a 3-day pass, or a weekend pass.
• To use the card, simply hold it against the card reader on the Metro turnstile or bus farebox for about a second until you see a green or yellow validation light. Do not insert the card into the red card slot.
• For subsequent trips, hold the card slightly above the reader for a second.

The L'occasionnelle card is a convenient and cost-effective way to navigate Montreal's public transportation system for short-term visitors. With this card, you can explore the city without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets for each trip.

Buying tickets on the Chrono or Transit app

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) introduced a digital bus pass that can be purchased through the Chrono or Transit apps. This option was made available from September 1, 2020, until the end of that year as an "exploratory project" in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to buy tickets using the Chrono or Transit app:

• Download the Chrono or Transit app on your smartphone.
• Create an account on the app. This will be your own Transit account, which you can use to purchase bus passes and plan your trips.
• Purchase your bus fare through the app. The cost of a single ticket is $3.50. You can buy multiple tickets if you're travelling in a group.
• Activate your ticket when you're ready to board the bus.
• Show the activated ticket on your phone to the bus driver.

The ticket is valid for 120 minutes on all bus lines in the metropolitan region. Once the validity period ends, the ticket will disappear from your phone, but you can still view it in your usage history.

This digital option provides a contactless and convenient way to pay for bus fares in Montreal, eliminating the need for cash or physical cards. It's important to note that this feature was introduced as a trial during the pandemic, and its continued availability may depend on its success and the evolving health situation.

Purchasing tickets at a metro station

The Montreal metro system offers a range of fare options that can be purchased at any metro station. The city's public transit system is managed by la Société de transport de Montreal (STM), and the STM metro is one of the most celebrated features of the city's transportation network due to its cleanliness, speed, and user-friendliness.

Opus Card:

The Opus Card is the most popular way to pay for both the metro and bus fares in Montreal. This smart card uses reloadable technology and can be purchased for a one-time fee of $6 at any metro station or via the Chrono mobile app. The Opus Card can be loaded with various fare options, including single rides, day passes, and week passes. It is valid for one rider and can be reloaded online or at kiosks in metro stations. Registering your Opus Card is recommended to protect your balance in case of loss or theft.

L'Occasionnelle Card:

Short-term visitors or tourists can opt for the L'Occasionnelle Card, a disposable smart card that can be purchased from vending machines or fare collectors at metro stations. This card is ideal for those who only need single trips or short-term passes, such as a 1-day, 3-day, or weekend pass. The L'Occasionnelle Card can be loaded with options like a return fare, an unlimited evening pass, or a combination of these options. It is important to note that this card can only be loaded once and should be disposed of after it expires.

Cash or Credit Card:

Metro station kiosks also accept cash and credit card payments for those who prefer a more traditional payment method. You can purchase single-ride tickets, day passes, or reload your Opus Card using these payment methods. However, it is advisable to use exact change when paying with cash, as the bus drivers do not provide change. Additionally, credit cards cannot be used for payments on buses.

Purchasing at Kiosks:

Metro stations in Montreal are equipped with fare vending machines or kiosks where you can purchase tickets or load your Opus Card. These kiosks are usually located near the fare collectors or within the station. It is worth noting that these kiosks tend to get busy around the first of the month when locals reload their monthly passes, so it is recommended to avoid rush hour when purchasing fares during this time.

By following these steps and choosing the payment option that best suits your needs, you can easily purchase tickets at any metro station in Montreal. The city's public transit system offers convenience, flexibility, and affordability for both locals and visitors.

Frequently asked questions