Montreal’s regional transit authority, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), announced that starting this spring, passengers will have the convenience of recharging their OPUS cards using a smartphone application. While an exact launch date has not been confirmed yet, the ARTM assured that the project is progressing as planned, with an official announcement to follow at the appropriate time.
The move towards smartphone-based recharge options has been welcomed by commuters like Patrick Vasilescu and Pierre Kossonou. Vasilescu emphasized the time-saving aspect, expressing relief from the long lines often encountered at ticket counters. Kossonou highlighted the convenience factor, particularly for individuals prone to forgetting their physical OPUS cards.
However, Pierre Barrieau, a transportation and urban planning lecturer at Université de Montréal, pointed out that Montreal is trailing behind other cities in adopting remote charging capabilities for smart cards. Barrieau noted that virtual card systems have been in place in numerous cities worldwide for over a decade. He suggested that earlier implementation could have reduced costs associated with staff assistance for card recharges.
Despite Montreal’s delay, Barrieau sees potential benefits for both regular and occasional transit users. He views the introduction of smartphone recharge options as a step towards encouraging occasional passengers to become regular commuters. The ARTM has been conducting tests of the application with thousands of users, reporting a high success rate of 94%.
While acknowledging the tardiness in adopting the technology, Barrieau remains optimistic about its impact. He hopes that Montreal will eventually transition to entirely virtual payment systems, eliminating the need for physical cards altogether. The ARTM has initiated a call for tenders to develop such systems, with a timetable for implementation to be announced upon completion of the tendering process.
FAQ
- When will the smartphone recharge option for OPUS cards be available?
- The exact launch date has not been confirmed yet, but it is expected to be introduced this spring.
- What is the success rate of the smartphone recharge application tested by the ARTM?
- The ARTM reported a success rate of 94% during the testing phase with thousands of users.
- Will the introduction of smartphone recharge options affect transit fares?
- There is no indication that the introduction of smartphone recharge options will directly impact transit fares.
- What are the benefits of smartphone recharge options for commuters?
- Commuters can save time by avoiding long lines at ticket counters and enjoy the convenience of recharging their cards using their smartphones.
- Is Montreal behind other cities in implementing remote charging capabilities for smart cards?
- Yes, according to transportation and urban planning lecturer Pierre Barrieau, Montreal lags behind other cities in adopting remote charging capabilities for smart cards.
Conclusion
Montreal’s decision to introduce smartphone recharge options for OPUS cards marks a significant step towards modernizing its public transit system. While the city may have been delayed in implementing this technology compared to other urban centers, the move is welcomed by commuters for its convenience and time-saving benefits. The success rate of the testing phase indicates a promising future for smartphone-based recharge systems. With ongoing advancements in technology, Montreal’s transit system is poised to evolve further, potentially leading to entirely virtual payment systems in the future.
