After years of delays, some Montreal-area transit riders can now use their Android smartphones as virtual OPUS cards.
Beginning Monday, Android users can purchase fares through the Chrono app and use their phones to board buses, métro trains and Exo commuter rail. The feature is being rolled out gradually to all Android users, while support for Apple devices is expected in the coming months.
Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) told CityNews in a statement:
“In addition to the OPUS card, some customers with an Android device can now use their phone to access the public transit network in a simple and convenient way. As announced last December, the ARTM is continuing the gradual rollout of a new version of the Chrono app for Android users. This gradual update allows you to buy and validate tickets directly on your phone. At the same time, the ARTM and Apple teams are continuing their work to make this feature also available on iPhone.”
To purchase fares, users must select “Purchase fares” and then “Virtual fares” in the Chrono app before signing in or creating an account. Exo train passengers must still validate their virtual OPUS cards at station validators before boarding.
The rollout comes more than two years after the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) had originally hoped to launch smartphone fare purchases. The agency first announced plans to test the technology in 2021 and later targeted an early 2024 launch before delaying the project.
The ARTM is also testing contactless debit and credit card payments on some Exo buses as part of a separate pilot project, but it has not announced when the option will be available across the region.
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