As Montreal's transit system works on digital shift, critics urge focus on service over tech
However, the Greater Montreal regional transit authority (ARTM) has been working on a digital shift called Concerto for the last few years to introduce contactless technology to its infrastructure.
Since the fall of 2024, the transit agency has been developing a virtual OPUS card for smart devices. The ARTM hopes to introduce contactless payment for buses and the metro by 2026.
Since April 2024, users have been able to reload their OPUS card on a mobile phone. In Laval, Exo bus riders can already pay directly with a bank card.
But a transit user advocacy group argues that the multimillion-dollar project would be better spent elsewhere.
Philippe Jacques, a spokesperson for Trajectoire Québec, said that while users would be very happy to have contactless payment, the priority should be improving service. He noted that Montreal has one of the oldest metro systems in the world.
He said he does not believe contactless payment will increase ridership.
'It's [about] the quality of service. Maybe somebody who only takes the metro a few times a year, when they go to a Habs game or the Grand Prix, will be happy with easier payments. But for most people who take the metro everyday, I don't think it will make s difference,' Jacques said in a recent interview.
'Maybe when we will have a full set metro like in other cities in the world, and a super bus service, then it's going to be the next step, and it's interesting what you can offer to customers.'
Jacques added that the most important issues that need to be addressed are the cuts and limitations to funding at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).
'The priority should be to keep the infrastructure in good conditions, and then to have more services. That would be the best. But in Montreal there's really a big problem with the metro,' he said.
Technology analyst Carmi Levy also warned that government agencies often struggle to develop and deploy technology effectively, adding that the transit agency should keep it simple.
'This is about open systems, open architectures, reusing technology that has already been proven that works and so only by having an open process that allows all vendors to participate in the discussion, and you have them compete against each other for the right, the privilege to deploy this technology, only then will taxpayers, and ultimately, it comes back to taxpayers, get the best value for their money,' Levi said.
With files from Stephane Giroux
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