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 FAQ

 

What is an OPUS card ?
An OPUS card is made of rigid plastic with an embedded microchip that contains a memory device onto which the various transit fares are stored.

How long does an OPUS card last ?
The service life of an OPUS card depends on the category of transit user:

 

Category OPUS card service life Fare privilege period
Regular fare 4 years None
6-11 years old   until October 31 of the year the child turns 12 years old.
12-14 years old 2 years 2 years
Fare privilege must be renewed between August 1 and October 31 of the expiry date year appearing on the card, if student is still eligible. Students must provide required proof and pay to renew their fare privilege.
15-25 years old 1 year 1 year
Fare privilege must be renewed from August 1 to October 31 of the following year if student is still eligible. Student must provide required proof and pay to renew their fare privilege.
65 years + 7 years 7 years

Where can I charge transit fares onto my OPUS card ?
You can charge your OPUS card at a fare booth in the métro or at any one of 500 points of sale. Several automatic fare vending machines are in operation in métro stations, and they accept both debit and credit cards. Some also accept cash payments. When buying transit fares, keep your receipt as your proof of purchase. You will also need it to claim a tax credit.

Is it possible to charge single fares onto an OPUS card ?
Yes, at an automated fare vending machine or from a métro fare collector.

Where can I verify the contents of my OPUS card ?
At all transit fare points of sale, at any automatic fare vending machine or recharging terminal, and with an STM inspector. Also, as you scan your card when boarding a bus or passing a métro turnstile, the card reader will show the fare balance stored on your card.

Can my child pay the reduced fare without having a student OPUS card ?
Students can only purchase and use reduced fare transit passes if they have a registered photo ID OPUS card. Conditions vary according to age category. However, schoolchildren 6 to 11 years old can pay the reduced fare without a photo ID OPUS card if they pay in cash aboard the bus (exact amount) and in the metro. Consult the section for more details.

What should I do if my OPUS card is lost or stolen ?
If you pay the reduced fare, go to STM Photo as soon as possible (2020 University St., McGill métro station) with proof of identity. Your old card will then be cancelled, making it unusable by anyone. A new card will be issued, loaded with the fare balance remaining at the time your card was reported lost or stolen. You will be required to pay fees for issuing a card and for the fare privilege.

When will I be able to charge my OPUS card ?
The monthly pass can be charged onto your OPUS card as of the 20th of each month. OPUS cards can be charged with monthly passes up to three months in advance, but only by métro fare collectors. Various transit fares (up to 4 different types) can be loaded onto your card according to your needs. Consult the website of your local transit company for more details.

Where can I go to obtain more information ?
Customer service points are located at Honoré-Beaugrand, Jean-Talon, Lionel-Groulx, and Côte-Vertu metro stations, as well as the STM bus terminus at Fairview shopping centre in Pointe Claire. They are open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The customer services centre at Berri-UQAM station is also open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do I register my personal data and be covered by the replacement guarantee ?
If you pay the reduced fare, you are automatically covered by the replacement guarantee, as your OPUS card is registered. See the Replacement guarantee section for full details.

Will my personal data be kept confidential ?
Every security measure has been taken to abide by the laws protecting personal information.

Will my photo still be necessary ?
Yes, a photo is still required for transit users who enjoy reduced fare privileges. Your photo will be printed on the back of your OPUS card. For the purpose of fare control, it also serves to prove that the cardholder is its rightful user.

Can I make a hole in the OPUS card ?
No, because you could damage the chip or the antenna inside, and the card would then be unusable.

Has this new equipment been fully tested ?
This technology has proven itself elsewhere in the world, in cities such as Lyons, Paris and San Francisco. In Québec, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) already uses smart cards, as well as the public transit companies in the metropolitan area and in Québec City.

Are smart cards absolutely secure ?
The technology behind smart cards is very reliable. Even the banking community is now adopting this technology.

Is there still an income tax credit for the purchase of a monthly pass ?

  • When you charge your OPUS card with a monthly pass, a receipt is issued. Keep it, as you can use this receipt on your income tax return to obtain a tax credit. It is highly recommended that you photocopy your receipts. Some vending machines use a heat-sensitive ink that may fade over time, making them illegible.
  • Receipts for income tax purposes are mailed automatically to subscribers of OPUS à l’année or OPUS & Cie programs.

Do OPUS cards provide for an unlimited number of trips during the month ?
All transit fare conditions and privileges remain the same. Thus, if you charge your OPUS card with a monthly pass, you can still take an unlimited number of trips during the month.

Up to how many transit fares can I load onto my OPUS card ?
You can charge your OPUS card with up to four different types of transit fares.

I still have some old-style paper tickets. Are they still valid ?
Paper tickets can still be used until August 31, 2009. Afterwards, you may obtain a refund for all unused tickets at the lost and found counter, inside the customer services centre located on the mezzanine level of Berri-UQAM station (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).