Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Multi card

Q. Is the old the Passe-Partout Plus card still valid?

A. Yes, for the moment. Riders will have up to 12 months to get their new Multi.

However, as of September 30, 2012, Student Passe-Partout PLUS Smart cards are no longer valid.

Q. What is an e-wallet?

A. An e-wallet lets you put money on the smart card in order to pay your fare (as you would with a paper ticket) or to pay the supplements when you take an express or interzone route.

Q. Do I have to put a minimum amount on my e-wallet?

A. Yes, the minimum amount is $10.00, and the maximum amount is $50.00.

Q. Is paying the fare with the e-wallet cheaper than paying with cash?

A. Yes, a fare paid with the e-wallet is even cheaper than a paper ticket and ahs the advantage of being refundable.

Q. Will paper tickets disappear completely?

A. As of January 1, 2013, reduced fares paper tickets are no longer available. Basic fares tickets are still available.

Q. How can I check the balance on my e-wallet?

A. There are many ways to check your balance.

1) When you board the bus, the balance on your card will be displayed on the reader once you validate your card.

2) Staff at the STO service points, smart card issuing and recharging centre and smart card recharging sites can give you this information upon recharging your card.

3) Once the option to recharge cards using the Internet is available, you will be able to check the balance in your Profile.

Q. Is there a delay before the money is available on my card?

A. There is no delay.

Q. Can I recharge my Multi using a credit card?

A. Not at this time in STO service points. However, a few recharging sites offer this option. Once cards can be recharged using the Internet, credit card payments will be accepted online.

Q. If I don’t have enough money in my e-wallet, can I get to my destination with a negative balance?

A. No. If you do not have the necessary amount to pay for your trip, no money will be taken from your e-wallet and the driver will ask you to pay the full amount in cash.

Q. What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

A. Simply go to one of the STO’s 3 service points. You will be able to get a new smart card for $10 (tax exempt). You will also recover the balance of your smart card (passes and e-wallet balance). If no monetary value is stored on your card, it will be replaced at a cost of $8 (tax exempt).

Q. Can I use my Multi card on OC Transpo buses?

A. Yes. However, you do not validate your Multi on OC Transpo’s PRESTO readers.

When boarding an OC Transpo bus, show your Multi smart card to the driver, as you did with the Passe-Partout PLUS card. You must also show your proof of validity (receipt) as long as interoperability with OC Transpo has not been officially launched. It is not necessary to show a receipt if you have a FIDÉLITÉ, EMPLOYER or EMPLOYEE card.

Q. Can I use my e-wallet on the OC Transpo system?

A. Until the PRESTO system is up and running, you must ask for a transfer when you board the STO system and show it to the driver when you use the OC Transpo system.

Q. Once the cards are interoperable with OC Transpo’s PRESTO system, how will I be able to use my Multi?

A. The Multi has a zone that is shared by both public transit systems to ensure that our riders keep the same privileges as in the past.

If you have a card with a pass, simply tap the PRESTO reader. A green light will show that the card has been validated.

If you are paying the fare with your e-wallet on the STO system, the transfer time is recorded automatically on your Multi. OC Transpo’s PRESTO system will recognize that the trip is valid when you tap the reader with your card.

When you pay with your e-wallet, you cannot start a trip on the OC Transpo system with your Multi card. Only trips transferring from the STO system are permitted. The same restriction applies when using a PRESTO card with an e-wallet on the STO system.

Nevertheless, for the first few months until the new OC Transpo system is fully functional, we recommend you keep the receipt proving that you have loaded the pass onto the card being used, or the transfer you receive from the STO driver.

OC Transpo passes and paper transfers will continue to be accepted by the STO.

Q. I am a paratransit rider. Am I able to use the Multi?

A. Paratransit riders can use the new card to recharge their pass as they do with the Passe-Partout Plus. You will also be able to recharge your card on the Internet once this option is available. However, because paratransit vehicles are not equipped with readers, it is not possible to use the e-wallet for this service.

Q. How long is the transfer time with my e-wallet?

A. The transfer time is 2 hours starting from the first validation on an STO bus. If you exceed this period, your e-wallet will be debited for the amount of a new fare the next time you board the bus.

If you are boarding an OC Transpo bus and your transfer time has expired, the driver will ask you to pay your fare in cash.