Québec city of Laval to fit buses with new contactless technology

Contactless payment is beginning to be rolled out across the US

The Société de transport de Laval (STL) has announced the rollout of a new scalable payment solution on all STL buses in 2021, which it claims is a first in Québec.

Like the current system, STL the new payment solution will accept Visa and Mastercard payments, and will be compatible with most smartphone contactless payment applications.

More modern and scalable than its predecessor, the new payment solution will include smart transit transfers and eventually be able to include more features such as contactless debit card payments and more credit card types.

“We are extremely proud of the team we have assembled for this ambitious project focused on modernising public transit payment systems across the province,” said Éric Morasse, STL Board president.

“Contactless payments foster impulse decisions to take the bus and instantly offset some of the main obstacles to using the bus, especially when transiting from different transport modes: How much does it cost? Where can I buy a bus ticket? More than ever, given the current situation, we need to do our utmost to keep public transit top-of-mind with Laval commuters.”

Transport technology company Flowbird will supply the contactless payment terminals and the operating system and will team up with financial technology provider Moneris to coordinate the transactions.

“Contactless bank cards have become the most popular means of paying for everyday purchases. Open Payment by Flowbird makes it possible to use your bank card as a bus pass. In Laval, occasional riders will no longer need to purchase a bus pass in advance or find a ticket vending machine,” said Bertrand Barthelemy, CEO, Flowbird.

The project is supported and funded by the ARTM (Metropolitan Regional Transportation Authority) in Québec, and will seek to fit the entire fleet of STL buses with the system as early as summer 2021, if everything unfolds as planned.