Winnipeg city hall to consider electronic transit fares

Winnipeg Transit riders could soon be using "smart cards" instead of paper tickets and passes, if city council approves a proposed electronic fare system.

City officials will present their plan to the standing committee on infrastructure renewal and public works on Tuesday.

The proposed system would give passengers a range of options for paying their bus fares, from reloadable "e-cash" cards to unlimited ride passes.

Passengers could still pay with cash and get free bus transfers, which would be validated with barcode readers on buses, according to the city's plan.

Officials say they want to start installing card-enabled fare boxes in the spring of 2013, then introduce the cards that fall.