The Société de Transport de Laval (STL) has announced a new group of partners that will oversee the rollout of a new scalable payment solution on all STL buses in 2021, which it says is a a first in Québec.
Flowbird will supply contactless payment terminals and the operating system, and will team up with Moneris to coordinate the transactions. The project is supported and funded by the ARTM regional metropolitan transit authority and it expects to have the whole fleet of STL buses fitted with the system as early as summer 2021.
“We are extremely proud of the team we have assembled for this ambitious project focused on modernising public transit payment systems across the province,” said Éric Morasse, STL Board President. “Contactless payments foster impulse decisions to take the bus and instantly offset some of the main obstacles to using the bus, especially when transiting from different transport modes: How much does it cost? Where can I buy a bus ticket? More than ever, given the current situation, we need to do our utmost to keep public transit top-of-mind with Laval commuters.”
This follows in the footsteps of the pilot project, which was launched April 2017 jointly with public transit payment solutions provider Mouvement Desjardins. The agreement between the STL and Mouvement Desjardins comes to an end on 31 October.
The new payment solution will continue to accept Visa and Mastercard payments, and will be compatible with most smartphone contactless payment apps. Said to be more modern and scalable than its predecessor, the new system will include smart transit transfers and eventually be able to include more features such as contactless debit card payments and more credit card types.
“Contactless bank cards have become the most popular means of paying for everyday purchases. Open Payment by Flowbird makes it possible to use your bank card as a bus pass. In Laval, occasional riders will no longer need to purchase a bus pass in advance or find a ticket vending machine,” said Bertrand Barthelemy, CEO of Flowbird.
“These payment solutions greatly facilitate travel. And it’s all contactless, which users find reassuring during these pandemic times. Our solution is tried and proven and includes infinite possibilities to add new ticketing features in the next few years. Easy to use, fast and seamless are the hallmarks of our Open Payment solution.”
