The Opus card is an essential item for residents and visitors alike in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It serves as a versatile, reloadable smart card that provides access to the city's public transportation system operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). Here's everything you need to know about the Opus card:
1. What is the Opus card? The Opus card is a contactless smart card used for accessing Montreal's public transportation network, including buses and the metro system. It replaced the older magnetic stripe cards and paper tickets, offering a more convenient and efficient way to pay for fares.
2. Features and Benefits:
Convenience: The Opus card allows for seamless travel on buses and metros without the need for paper tickets or exact change.
Reloadable: Users can add funds or transit passes to their Opus card at various locations throughout the city, including metro stations, convenience stores, and online.
Reduced fares: Certain demographics, such as students and seniors, may be eligible for discounted fares when using the Opus card.
Intermodal use: The Opus card can be used interchangeably across different modes of transportation, including buses, metros, and commuter trains (with an additional fare).
Flexibility: Travelers can load different types of fare products onto their Opus card, such as single fares, unlimited passes for a specified duration, or multi-trip packages.
3. How to Obtain an Opus Card:
Residents: Montreal residents can obtain an Opus card by visiting designated STM points of sale, including metro stations, where they can purchase a card and load it with fares.
Visitors: Tourists and temporary residents can also acquire an Opus card at various locations, such as Montreal-Trudeau Airport, major metro stations, or select retailers.
4. Using the Opus Card:
Tap-and-go: To access public transportation, users simply tap their Opus card on the card reader located at the entrance of buses or metro stations.
Fare validation: Upon tapping the card, the fare is automatically deducted from the card balance or validated, depending on the type of fare product loaded onto the card.
Transferability: The Opus card can be shared among family members or friends, but each individual must have their own card to benefit from reduced fares or passes.
5. Managing the Opus Card:
Checking balance: Users can check their Opus card balance and transaction history at self-service machines located in metro stations or online through the STM website.
Adding funds: Funds can be added to the Opus card at various locations, including metro stations, convenience stores, or online through the STM website or mobile app.
Replacement: In case of loss, theft, or damage, users can replace their Opus card by visiting designated STM service points and transferring the remaining balance to a new card for a small fee.
In summary, the Opus card is an indispensable tool for navigating Montreal's public transportation system, offering convenience, flexibility, and cost savings for commuters and travelers alike.