Laval’s transit authority says it is working to make it easier for commuters to get around.
On Friday, the Société de transport de Laval (STL) launched a pilot project, allowing commuters to pay for their bus fare using a credit card.
The technology used, allows for contactless credit card payment, using Visa or Mastercard, on six of the STL’s bus routes including the 20,39, 48, 60, 63 and 73.
The STL paired up with the Desjardins Group, the leading financial co-operative group in Canada, to bring the project to fruition.
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It’s new, it’s the first in Quebec, it’s the first in Canada,” said David DeCotis, president of the STL’s board of directors. “We’re very proud to announce this today.”
“It’s very encouraging for our clientele who occasionally take the bus,” said DeCotis. “For example, if you’re walking and it starts to rain. You’re searching your pockets for some change, you don’t have any spare change but you have you’re credit card -just get on the bus, a simple tap and you walk through.”
The program is being touted as the first of its kind in Canada, and Laval Mayor Marc Demers intimated he expects nothing less from the STL.
“For the STL, innovation is a core principle. It is deeply rooted in the way they conduct business.”
The pilot project is expected to run for at least six months.
While contactless debit cards aren’t part of this trial run, it hasn’t been ruled it out for future projects.
The STL said it plans on sharing its findings with the Autorité de transport métropolitain and other public transit companies across the province.
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