A new contactless fare payment option is now available to OC Transpo riders via credit cards and smartphones at O-Train Line 1’s Rideau Station in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
One gate on the west side of the station has been set up to accept Visa, Mastercard, as well as smart phones and watches that use Apple Pay or Google Pay loaded with Visa or Mastercard. During the trial period, customers can easily pay an adult single ride fare by tapping the specially marked fare gate with their enabled Visa, Mastercard or associated mobile wallet. During the test period, customers paying by credit card or mobile wallet will only be able to transfer to buses inside the fare paid zone at Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman and Blair Stations. Presto cards remain a payment option.
“I am pleased that OC Transpo is one of the first transit agencies in Canada to offer touchless payment choices to our customers. I know our customers will appreciate the extra convenience and flexibility,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
When the trial wraps up in 2021, OC Transpo says it expects to roll out the new touchless payment options to all fare gates and buses and is already working on future upgrades that will bring contactless debit payments to the system.
“OC Transpo has led the way in keeping our transit customers safe during the pandemic. We were the first transit system in Canada to make mask-wearing mandatory,” said Transit Commission Chair and Councilor Allan Hubley. “Now we are among the first in Canada to make touchless credit card payment available. This will further reduce contact points along the system to keep our customers safe.”
The trial is a partnership with Scheidt & Bachmann and will give OC Transpo one of the most advanced fare payment systems in Canada. The trial has been fast-tracked so that OC Transpo can offer customers more ways to pay their fare while reducing touch points during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Scheidt & Bachmann is delighted to provide the city of Ottawa with industry leading technology that will enable customers to pay their fare simply by tapping a credit card or mobile wallet,” said Scheidt & Bachmann Regional Vice President Karen Swanborough. “This trial marks an important milestone for Ottawa as they become one of the first cities in Canada to offer a suite of contactless fare payment options to their customers. We are honored by this opportunity to grow our long-standing partnership with OC Transpo.”
