First mobile fare solution for buses launched in Montréal

Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), the Montreal region’s public transit governing authority, has launched a new single-ride bus fare with Transit, North American mobility app and endorsed app of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

The fare, which includes free transfers during a 120-minute period, is valid on Montreal-area buses operated by the four regional transit agencies: exo, RTL, STL, and STM. This mobile ticketing option marks the first time Montréal transit riders can pay for trips using a mobile phone, and allows Montréalers to purchase bus fares and BIXI bikeshare passes using a single Transit Account.

The new mobile bus fare was created by the ARTM in response to the coronavirus crisis, giving passengers a payment method that uses visual validation to reduce contact with bus drivers.

The ticketing integration, powered by Masabi’s Justride SDK, also allows riders to purchase a bus-to-bikeshare trip in the same app. Users can plan a multimodal trip using the app’s Transit+ feature as well as purchase a bus fare from ARTM and a connecting BIXI bikeshare ride.

“Montréal isn’t just Transit’s hometown. It’s also a city that’s finding new solutions to fare payment during the pandemic, while at the same time bringing together public transit ticketing and bikeshare into a simple, unified app experience for riders,” said Sam Vermette, CEO of Transit. “We’re making it easy to plan and pay for multimodal trips, helping people get from A to B without their own car. Working with transit authorities like the ARTM and new mobility services like BIXI is how we achieve that mission.”

“During the gradual resumption of activities across the Montréal metropolitan area, the region’s bus networks have seen the most significant increase in demand and ridership. While travel habits remain disrupted, this initiative supplements the health measures put in place by the region’s transit operators. It gives users more flexibility to purchase single bus fares that can be contactlessly validated,” said Benoît Gendron, Director General of the ARTM. “This project will also help advance the development of a one-stop mobility hub for the user.”

“BIXI’s mission is to transform the urban experience with a bikeshare service that contributes to accessible and connected mobility. We’ve been partners with Transit for many years, and are delighted to be a part of its success, all with the goal of making travel easier and promoting multimodal journeys,” commented Christian Vermette, General Manager of BIXI Montréal.