Quebec City Bus Travel: Payment Methods Explained

how to pay for bus quebec city

If you're looking to get around Quebec City, there are several options available to you. The best way to get around is on foot, as the compact layout of the city means that most attractions are within walking distance. However, if you're looking for an alternative mode of transport, the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC) operates bus services throughout the city. The standard fare is CA$3.75, but you can also purchase a one-day pass for CA$7.25 or a two-day pass for CA$13. These can be purchased with an OPUS card, which offers a small discount on fares and can be bought at several locations, including the Gare du Palais.

Characteristics Values
Single ride $3.40-$3.75
One-ride general ticket CA$3.40
Cash fare $3.75
One-day pass $7.25
Two-day pass $13.00
Five-day pass N/A
OPUS card $6
Reduced fare OPUS card $15
Occasionelle card Free

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Paying with cash: Insert the exact amount into the farebox when boarding the bus

When riding the bus in Quebec City, you can pay with cash by inserting the exact amount into the farebox when boarding the bus. This method of payment is simple and straightforward, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to have the exact change as the bus drivers do not provide change. Secondly, if you need to transfer to another bus route during your journey, be sure to ask the driver for a transfer when you board. The transfer is valid for 90 minutes on all other routes, except the one you started your journey on. It is important to note that the Ecolobus cash fare is cheaper, but it does not include a transfer option, and you cannot board an Ecolobus with a paper transfer.

When paying with cash, you will insert your fare into the farebox, which is typically located near the front of the bus, next to the driver. The farebox will have a slot for you to insert your money, and it will automatically calculate the amount you have paid. It is important to wait for the farebox to register your payment before taking your seat. If you need a transfer, you can then ask the driver for one. They will usually provide you with a paper transfer that you can show to the next driver when you board the next bus.

It is always a good idea to have your fare ready before boarding the bus to speed up the process and avoid holding up the line. You should also be aware that some buses may have different fare requirements, so it is essential to check the fare information for your specific route before boarding. Additionally, it is polite to greet the driver as you board and thank them when you disembark.

While paying with cash is a convenient option for single rides, if you plan to use the bus multiple times during your stay in Quebec City, you may want to consider purchasing a pass or an OPUS card, which can save you money and provide more flexibility. These options are available at various sales points around the city and can be a more cost-effective choice if you plan to use the bus frequently.

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OPUS card: A reusable smart card that can be loaded with fares for all Quebec province transit authorities

The OPUS card is a smart card that can be used for all public transport in Quebec. The card is available with or without a photo. The photo OPUS card is for those who are eligible for reduced fares, including students, seniors, and children. The card can be ordered online or in person at a photo studio, and the cost is $15. The standard OPUS card without a photo costs $6 and can be purchased at all RTC points of sale.

The OPUS card is valid for four years and can be used on multiple public transit networks in Quebec if loaded with the appropriate fare. The card can be loaded with regular fare tickets and passes, as well as reduced fare tickets for eligible cardholders. It is important to note that OPUS cards are non-refundable and cannot be shared by multiple people travelling together.

To use the OPUS card, hold it above the fare box on the bus or the card reader on the metro turnstile. The validation is confirmed by a green or yellow light and an audio signal. If you need to transfer to another bus, ask the driver for a transfer when boarding, as the OPUS card does not include transfers.

You can check the balance of your OPUS card online at opusenligne.ca or by going to an RTC service counter or point of sale. It is recommended to register your OPUS card to protect against loss or theft. In the event of a lost or stolen card, you can have it replaced and recoup any remaining transit fares if it is registered.

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Occasionelle card: A smart card that must be trashed after use and can only be loaded with fares once

Quebec City's public transport system offers a range of options for travellers, including the Occasionelle card. This smart card is perfect for those who only need to use public transport occasionally, as it is a non-rechargeable card that must be discarded after use.

The Occasionelle card is a convenient option for those who don't need to travel frequently, as it can be loaded with fares only once. This is in contrast to the OPUS card, which is a rechargeable and reusable smart card that can be used for all RTC fares, excluding the 1-day pass and unlimited weekend pass. The OPUS card can be purchased for $6, while the Occasionelle card is free to obtain.

The Occasionelle card is made of hard paper and cannot be reloaded with additional fares. It is designed for single-use and must be discarded after all the passes on the card have been used. This differentiates it from the OPUS card, which can be reloaded at metropolitan ticket offices, in metro stations, and at other sales outlets.

When using the Occasionelle card, it is important to note that it does not offer the same range of fares as the OPUS card. The OPUS card can be used for various types of fares, including membership, monthly, single, or multiple fares, and it is valid for multiple transit agencies. The Occasionelle card, on the other hand, is more limited in terms of the fares that can be loaded onto it.

In conclusion, the Occasionelle card is a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers who only need to use public transport occasionally in Quebec City. Its disposable nature makes it a simple and efficient choice for those who don't need the flexibility of a rechargeable card like the OPUS.

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One-ride general ticket: Costs CA$3.40 or CA$3.75 if paying in cash

When riding the bus in Quebec City, there are several payment options available. If you are planning to pay with cash, you will need to have the exact change, as the drivers cannot give change. The standard cash fare is CA$3.40, but if you are paying in cash, the price is slightly higher at CA$3.75. This is because individual fares cost less with a card than when you pay with cash. This is known as the "One-ride general ticket".

When boarding the bus, you will need to deposit the exact change into the farebox, which is located beside the driver. If your journey requires you to take multiple buses, simply ask the driver for a paper transfer when you pay your fare. You can then show this to the next driver when boarding the next bus. Please note that paper transfers have a time limit and cannot be used for your return trip.

If you are travelling with children, those aged 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult can ride for free at all times.

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Discounted fares: Available for children, teens, students and seniors

Discounted Fares

Discounted fares are available for children, teens, students and seniors in Quebec City. These reduced fares are offered on the OPUS card, which is a reusable smart card that can be loaded with fares for all Quebec province transit authorities participating in the OPUS program. The standard card costs $6, while the reduced fare card (with a photo) costs $15. This card can be registered, so it can be replaced if lost or stolen.

Children aged 5 and under can ride for free on all RTC buses when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 6-11 can travel for free when accompanied by someone aged 14 or older, with a maximum of 5 children per adult. Children aged 11 and under can also travel for free at all times by bus, train and metro when accompanied by someone aged 14 or older.

For children under 18, seniors aged 65 and over, and full-time students, single tickets cost $2.75 when purchased in advance from specific retailers. A Day Pass costs $9.25 and is a good option if you plan to take three or more buses in one day. The 5-Day Pass is ideal if you plan to stay for a week and explore local neighbourhoods. This pass costs $26.50 for students, seniors and children under 18.

The Unlimited Weekend pass is another great option for those looking to explore outside Quebec City's downtown core. It costs $16.75 per person and includes travel to places like Montmorency Falls and Wendake.

How to Pay for the Bus in Quebec City

There are several ways to pay for the bus in Quebec City. You can pay with cash, by inserting the exact amount into the farebox when boarding the bus. If you need to transfer to another bus route, ask the driver for a transfer when you board. Transfers are valid for 90 minutes on all other routes, except the one you started your journey on.

You can also pay using a smart card: either the OPUS card or the Occasionelle card. The OPUS card is reusable and can be loaded with different fares, while the Occasionelle card must be discarded after use and can only be loaded with one fare. The Occasionelle card is free to obtain, but the OPUS card costs $6 for the standard card and $15 for the reduced fare card.

Planning Your Trip

To plan your trip, you can use Google Maps or the RTC Nomade app, which provides real-time bus information. You can also call the RTC customer service hotline at 418-627-2511. They are open from 6:30 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 10 pm on weekends.

Other Information

  • Kids 5 and under always travel free.
  • On weekends, holidays and some school break weeks, transit is free for 3 kids (aged 6-11) for each adult paying fare.
  • The Ecolobus is RTC's fully electric route, operated by small electric minibuses serving the parliament hill, the old city and the docks area.
  • The Couche-tard (late-night) service is offered on some routes on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Frequently asked questions

A single bus ride costs CA$3.40 (about $2.50) or CA$3.75 (about $2.79) if you pay in cash.

You can buy bus passes at over 220 locations scattered around the Quebec City area. While all sales points offer standard OPUS and Occasionnelle smart cards, only service and information centres produce reduced-fare OPUS (with a picture).

I remember hearing something on the news that OPUS cards could be used in Quebec and Montreal, but I don't know the details, or if it is only for monthly passes.

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