A new payment method, starting later this month, will give seniors more options when they ride Windsor's buses.
Transit Windsor is rolling out a new reloadable tap card for seniors' bus passes. This will be a one-piece card with photo ID and a smart pass tap function in one device, replacing the current two-piece magnetic swipe card.
The streamlined seniors' card is part of a two-phase pilot project implemented by Transit Windsor to introduce "smart" media to its riders. The old magnetic swipe pass was available for the calendar month only and could only be purchased one month at a time. The new one is activated by tapping it on the fare box the first time it's used, and it can be reloaded at any time, in increments of 15 days or 30 days.
Transit Windsor said the new tap card will make travel more efficient for those using the seniors' pass by eliminating the need to refill the card at the end of the month, and helping passengers avoid long lines.
The cost for the pass remains the same for seniors, at $48.40. The new pass will become operational on May 15, but the old ones can still be used through May 31, said Transit Windsor.
David Calibaba, sales and marketing manager for Transit Windsor, said once the tap card is fully operational, the service will move on to the next phase, which will include additional reload locations and mobile ticketing. Mobile ticketing will allow riders more flexibility to reload their TW Smart Pass online and give riders a chance to use their smartphones as a pass.
The magnetic passes for adults and students, along with paper tickets, will still be valid. Exact fare can be paid with cash of exactly $3, with the tunnel bus $5 one-way.
For complete information on Transit Windsor's fare system, visit their official website.