Bus Basics

You’re taking the bus for the very first time? Here’s some information that will definitely prove very useful to you.

How to choose a bus route to get to my destination

You have two options:

• Use Navigo to determine the roads you will take and the bus routes that can bring you to your destination.
• In the Schedules and routes section, under “Advanced search”, select the location where you want to go. You will then have access to the various bus routes serving that place.

Once this step has been completed, you will be able to choose the stop that suits you best and access the bus route schedule.

What are the methods of payment?

You have a choice of three methods of payment: cash, tickets or a monthly pass.

Cash

• Pay cash by depositing the exact change in the fare box. (No change is provided, pennies and paper money are not accepted.)

Single-trip fares (tickets)

• Load the OPUS card with blocks of eight tickets (regular fare or reduced fare). A transfer valid for 90 minutes will automatically be coded on the card at the start of each trip.

Monthly pass

• An STL monthly pass or a TRAM (metropolitan) pass allows you to make an unlimited number of trips during the month of validity.
• STL monthly passes are valid throughout the STL’s network.
• TRAM (metropolitan) passes provide access to the territories served by the following transit corporations: STL, STM, RTL and AMT.
• Monthly passes generally go on sale starting on the 20th of the month before the month of validity and up until the 10th of the current month of validity. They may be purchased at approximately 50 points of sale throughout the STL’s territory as well as at Cartier and Montmorency terminuses.

To lear mor about the fares, visit the Services and fares section.

How does the OPUS card work?

The OPUS card is very easy to use. Just place it on the card reader as you get on the bus or at the turnstile of a metro station to have it validated and give you the right to board. You will then be able to make a transfer, free of charge, during the next 90 minutes. To do so, once again place your card on the reader on another route.

Easy to use!

• Touch the target with your OPUS card.
• Hold it there a few seconds…
• Wait for the signal.
• Show your photo to the driver or collection agent.
• Then move on.

TIP: To check the number of fares remaining on your OPUS card, take note of the balance posted on the reader screen after you have validated your card or ask for a reading at one of the approximately 50 points of sale or even at a metropolitan ticket office. To keep accurate track of your balance, stick a note on the front of your card and jot down the number of fares remaining.

What to do in case of loss, theft or breakage

In case of loss, theft or breakage of your OPUS card, you must go to one of the two metropolitan ticket offices with proof of identity. For a charge of $3.50, your card—with the passes or tickets it contained—will be restored for you on a new card.

How to obtain an OPUS card

Are you travelling on regular fare?

You may obtain an OPUS card at one of our points of sale or at one of the two metropolitan ticket offices. You don’t need to fill out any forms, unless you want to have your OPUS card registered so that it can be restored—with the passes or tickets it contained—in case of loss, theft or breakage.

Are you travelling on reduced fare or student fare?

You must go to one of the two metropolitan ticket offices, with the duly completed reduced-fare or student-fare form. On site, an agent will take your photo and give you your OPUS card, which will automatically be registered. It may then be restored for you—with the passes or tickets in contained—in case of loss, theft or breakage.

How to reload your OPUS card

You may load your OPUS card at the turnstile next to the metro agent’s glassed-in booth, or at a metropolitan ticket office, or even at the STL’s points of sale. There are also automatic pass dispensers at metro stations and commuter train stations. You may load your OPUS card yourself by paying with your debit card or credit card. Some dispensers accept cash payments as well.

Don’t forget to keep your receipt when you buy any type of fare. Your receipt is proof of purchase and you may need to submit it in order to be eligible for the Federal tax credit for monthly public transit fares. It is highly recommended that you photocopy your receipts, as some dispensers use thermal ink, which fade over time.

Advice on using the bus

Here are a few suggestions for your comfort and safety aboard STL buses:

• Before boarding the bus, have your OPUS card in your hand, or the exact change, in order to board more easily.
• Don’t hesitate to tell our driver to wait until you are seated before he pulls out of the stop. He will do so insofar as possible.
• Don’t hesitate to ask our driver for information on your trip. He will help you as much as possible.
• If you are a woman, don’t hesitate to mention to our driver, in the evening, after 8 p.m., that you would like to get off the bus between two stops in order to be closer to your home. If the situation so allows, he will do so with pleasure.
• Rather than board the bus with a number of grocery bags, consider having your grocery order delivered to your home.

Tips on travelling by bus with baby and stroller

Here is a practical guide developed by 1-2-3 Go!, in cooperation with various partners including the STL, to making it easier to travel on a bus with a baby.