How can we make the Opus card simpler?

Want to recharge your Opus card online? For a lucky few Chrono app users, that dream is now a reality.

LISTEN | How can we make the Opus card simpler?:

Good Question, Montreal15:43How can we make the Opus card simpler?

As of this week, some Montreal-area transit users are now able to reload their Opus cards with the Chrono app, instead of waiting in long lines at kiosks. The function is expected to be rolled out widely this month. But we still can’t tap payment cards to ride and have to make sure we’ve bought tickets for the right zone. Some Montreal transit advocates say it’s time to think outside the fare box.

Isabella Brisson-Urdaneta, spokesperson for the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), confirmed the new feature is gradually being rolled out to allow the ARTM to monitor its performance.

The function is currently only available for a "small percentage" of Android phone users, with no firm date for when it will be available for all users, or riders with an iPhone.

"The objective remains for the month of April," said Brisson-Urdaneta.

The function will be an alternative to waiting in long lines at Metro station kiosks. But riders still won't be able to tap credit or debit cards to ride — and must ensure they're buying the right fare zone. In this episode of Good Question, Montreal, some transit advocates say it's time to think outside the fare box.

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