Long Opus-Card Lineups

Some people reported three-hour lineups for Opus photo cards at McGill metro station.

From CTV News:

There were more long lineups Friday morning at McGill metro station - the only place in the city where transit users can buy reduced-fare Opus cards.

The Montreal transit corporation says it didn't expect such high demand for the photo identification cards, which offer discounted fares for students and the elderly.

Frustrated users have endured two-to-three hour waits all week as the back-to-school period gets underway.

Read more ....

My Comment: These people should have went earlier in the summer when there were no lines or long waits.

Switching To OPUS Means Long Waits For Students And Seniors

From CTV:

Students and seniors switching to OPUS cards have had to endure incredible waits at the McGill metro station this week, prompted by the deadline for old-style tickets.

As of Tuesday, the Montreal transit system has replaced paper tickets and bus passes with OPUS cards for all users. The old-style, small paper tickets will no longer be accepted on the bus or the metro.

Read more ....

My Comment: I still do not trust the machines to recharge my card.

Opus Cards Fully Rolled Out: No More Paper Tickets

The Opus card is now standard on the Montreal transit system.

From CTV:

People who use the Montreal transit system won't be able to avoid the Opus card any longer.

As of Tuesday, the old-style, small paper tickets will no longer be accepted on the bus or the metro.

Only Opus cards, other magnetic cards and the larger, magnetic-stripe tickets can be used.

Read more ....

Opus Card Overcharging

The Opus card, subject of numerous complaints from Montreal transit users (August 10, 2009)

From The CTV:

The STM's Opus card is once again prompting regular transit users to take an extra-careful look at their monthly bank statements.

Earlier this summer at least 100 commuters were charged twice for a pass, and while the STM promised to clear up the problem, their fix is not perfect.

Alex Harper paid twice for his July transit pass because his payment was not registered the first time.

He has been reimbursed. but for August, he had to pay twice. Again.

"I'm pretty frustrated," said Harper.

He noticed the problem right away.

Read more ....

My Comment: I used my ATM card in June to recharge my OPUS card .... I have had problems ever since.

Transit Users Report Problems With STM Smart Card

From CTV News:

It seems there are still some glitches with the STM's smart card.

Some transit users have been charged twice for their monthly OPUS pass, while others were charged even though their transactions didn't go through.

When Alex Harper tried to top up his OPUS card at a machine recently, he ran into trouble.

"I tried to refill my OPUS card and just as the transaction was nearing completion, both screens gave me different error messages. One told me the service was temporarily unavailable, and a second told me that no transaction had been debited," Harper said.

Read more ....

My Comment: Count me in as one of those who has had problems when recharging my OPUS card. I went to the machine, used my debit card, transaction approved, but after the approval my transaction for recharging my OPUS card was canceled. This happened at the main booth at Angrignon Metro Station. I complained to the attendant .... and was told not to worry.

When I got home, I noticed the extra charge on my checking account, and I called my bank right away. Three days later my account was credited the money that I had spent. On a more positive note, my account was credited again a few days later with the same amount. Hmmmmm .... I must confess that I am not going to call them to complain when they give me extra money.