New payment option for OC Transpo riders

OC Transpo announced on Tuesday that Interac Debit is now available as a form of payment for transit riders.

This means customers can tap their debit cards and board OC Transpo buses and trains.

Cards can be tapped at all fare gates at stations and readers on buses, said OC Transpo. This comes less than a year after allowing riders to pay with credit cards.

“Millions of people use Interac Debit cards every day. Some people may not have a credit card, and casual riders may not have a Presto card. Adding Interac Debit provides our residents with a convenient choice for everyday purchases like riding OC Transpo,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said.

Riders will be charged an adult base fare of $3.80, where they can transfer between buses and trains.

OC Transpo’s daily and monthly fare capping means that riders will not be charged more than the price of a DayPass ($11.75) or monthly pass ($128.75) — riding for free once they hit the cap.

When paying with debit, OC Transpo suggests tapping your card or mobile wallet rather than your physical wallet, to avoid accidental charges on other cards.

While Interac Debit is the latest payment option available, riders can also use their credit card, Presto card, DayPass or cash. 

OC Transpo reminds customers that O-Payment is not accepted on Societé de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO). If riders transfer to STO, Presto is still the best option. 

Debit is accepted on Para Transpo minibuses; however, it cannot be used to transfer to and from buses and trains. 

The transit company introduced “O-Payment” in September 2023, giving riders the option to use Visa or Mastercard, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay.

“Riding transit should be an easy choice. Adding the ability to pay your fare with an Interac Debit card just made that choice easier,” said Councillor Glen Gower, Chair of the Transit Commission.

OC Transpo conducted testing for several months, to ensure the introduction of debit card payment would be seamless.

Residents can learn more about O-Payment on the OC Transpo website.