The public transport system in Montreal is set to undergo a significant transformation. By early 2026, riders will be able to use their mobile phones to validate their travel instead of the traditional OPUS card. This innovation aims to modernize the experience for commuters and align Montreal with other major cities.
Mobile Access for Public Transport in Montreal
The initiative is a part of a beta testing phase for a new feature in the Chrono app. This application will allow users to validate their trips in the metro and buses using a “virtual card” stored on their mobile devices. There is no longer a need for an OPUS card, marking a complete transition to digital access.
Implementation Timeline
- Beta Tests: The feature has successfully undergone testing with no major bugs identified.
- Launch Date: Public rollout is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
- Investment: The digital transformation project, named “Concerto,” will cost approximately $146 million.
Sylvain Perras, the Director of Information Technology at the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), expressed optimism about the project. He mentioned that tests are ongoing to ensure a smooth launch.
Comparative Analysis
While Montreal is enhancing its service, cities like New York, Chicago, London, and Toronto have already integrated mobile access to public transport for years. This progress highlights a need for Montreal to accelerate its technological advancements in public transportation.
User Adoption and Future Plans
Since April 2024, users have been recharging their OPUS cards via their mobile devices, with nearly half of all ticket purchases now occurring this way. This significant adoption rate suggests a strong demand for digital solutions. Once the mobile validation feature launches, the ARTM anticipates that up to 70% of riders will prefer digital methods.
- Continuity: A physical OPUS card will still be available for those who prefer it.
- Future Innovations: Plans for a multimodal system integration, combining various transport methods into one app, have been postponed until after a successful implementation of the current changes.
Conclusion
The transition to mobile access in Montreal’s public transport is not only a modernization effort but also a strategic move to improve user experience. As the city prepares for this change, it aims to accommodate a wide range of transit needs while ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the new system.
About Chrono
Chrono is a mobile application developed by the ARTM. It offers users real-time updates on bus and metro schedules and allows for trip planning using BIXI and Communauto services. This app will soon enable users to store their virtual tickets, making it a key tool for navigating the Montreal transit system.
