The OPUS Card
The OPUS card represents a new payment method used in the public transit network of the STM. This magnetic card stores on an embedded microchip the various transit fares (single, weekly or monthly transit fares) that you can buy from an STM fare controller as well as automatic fare vending machines or recharging terminals.
Public transit (regular network) and the OPUS card
If you child is less than five years old
- He can use public transit for free when accompanied by an adult.
- He is not eligible to paratransit.
If your child is six to 11 years old
- He can pay the reduced fare in cash in buses and the metro.
- Otherwise, he must have a registered photo ID OPUS card to be able to pay reduced transit fares (no cost to have access to this privilege).
- Fares that can be charged on his OPUS card: single, six trips, 10 trips, weekly and monthly passes.
- On weekends and holidays, he can use public transit for free when accompanied by an adult (maximum of five children per adult) presenting a valid transit fare.
- Duration of the validity: three years or until October 31 of the year during which the child turns 12 years old.
If your child is 12 to 17 years old
- He cannot pay the reduced fare in cash in buses and the metro. If he wants to pay cash, he will have to pay the regular fare.
- Otherwise, he must have a registered photo ID OPUS card to be able to pay reduced transit fares ($10.25/year to have access to this privilege).
- Fares that can be charged on his OPUS card: single, six trips, 10 trips, weekly and monthly passes.
- Duration of the validity: two years, but reduced fare privilege must be renewed every year.
If you child is 18 to 25 years old
- He cannot pay the reduced fare in cash in buses and the metro. If he wants to pay cash, he will have to pay the regular fare.
- Otherwise, he must have a registered photo ID OPUS card to be able to pay reduced transit fares ($10.25/year to have access to this privilege).
- Fares that can be charged on his OPUS card: reduced fare monthly pass as well as the other regular fares, namely single, six trips, 10 trips and weekly pass.
- Duration of the validity: two years, but reduced fare privilege must be renewed every year.
If your child is more than 26 years old
- He is no longer eligible to the reduced fare. Therefore, he can pay the regular fare cash.
- Otherwise, he must have his OPUS card without a registered photo ID.
- Fares that can be charged on his OPUS card: single, six trips, 10 trips, weekly and monthly passes.
- Duration of the validity: four years.
Personal aide pass
- The Personal aide pass gives free access to the person accompanying your child. However, the child’s fare must be paid. Individuals admitted to the STM’s paratransit service do not need to obtain a personal aide pass, as their paratransit card allows them to be accompanied when using transit.
Paratransit and the OPUS card
- All users can pay their fare if they have a weekly or monthly transit fare charged on their OPUS card (same criteria as the regular bus and metro system).
- Otherwise, users can pay cash their regular individual fare, but no other individual fare is accepted.
To have access to the reduced fares, your OPUS card must have a registered photo ID. To obtain it, you must go with your child to Studio SPEQ Photo, located at 2020, University Street (McGill metro level), local B315. They are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday. You must have with you: the completed registration form, proof of age, proof of full-time school attendance with the seal of the institution (for students 16 to 25 years old), proof that you live in Montreal and the necessary amount to cover the card delivery fee.
To obtain additional information on fares or the OPUS card, you can either visit the STM’s website at www.stm.info or call them at 514-786-4636 (STM-INFO).