Introducing new ways to pay on Para Transpo!
Paying for your Para Transpo trip just got easier. All Para Transpo minibuses and taxis now have smartcard readers, giving you more options to pay your fare with a Presto card.
For more flexibility, try paying with a credit card, debit card or with mobile wallet on a smartphone if you are paying a regular Adult fare.
We know that Para Transpo customers have been asking for this for a long time, and we’re excited to be able to provide this option to improve the customer experience.
Check out how Sonya uses her Presto card to pay her fare:
Transcript and text description
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| 00:00 | Sonya is a long-time Para Transpo customer. But today, she’s a first-time Presto card user. | A woman using a wheelchair named Sonya leaves an apartment building and goes out onto the sidewalk. |
| 00:07 | When Sonya heard the Presto payment system is now available on Para Transpo, she got her Presto card at the grocery store and loaded money to her e-Purse. | Sonya comes out of a grocery store entrance. She is holding her Presto card in her hand. |
| 00:16 | Sonya is eligible for a discount so she registered her Presto card and then called OC Transpo Customer Service to get her discount added to her new card. | Sonya talks on her cellphone to an OC Transpo Customer Service Representative. |
| 00:24 | If you have a Community Pass or EquiPass discount on your ParaPay account, you can call customer service to get your discount added to your registered Presto card. | |
| 00:33 | Age-based discounts can be added when you buy your Presto card at Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Real Canadian Superstore or at OC Transpo Customer Service Centres. | Exterior shots of a Loblaws store, Shoppers Drug Mart store, Real Canadian Superstore and the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre. |
| 00:43 | Presto cards work on all Para Transpo buses and taxis. For more flexibility, you can also use your credit card, debit card or mobile wallet if you are paying a regular Adult fare. Keep in mind, discounts are only available with a Presto card. | The woman waits on the sidewalk for her ride. A Para Transpo bus pulls up in the background. |
| 00:58 | Here comes Sonya’s ride now. | Sonya board the bus. The Para Transpo operator attaches her seatbelt. |
| 1:04 | “Hi, I just got a Presto card, how do I use it?” | Sonya speaks to the Para Transpo Operator. |
| 1:08 | Once Sonya’s secured on the bus, the operator takes her card to tap it on a card reader mounted at the front of the bus. | The Para Transpo Operator takes her card and taps it on the fare reader. |
| 1:15 | Sonya is using her Presto Card to pay-per-ride. If she wants to know the balance on her card after each tap, the screen can read out her balance in clear audio. |
Close up of the screen of the fare reader. |
| 1:24 | “Current funds one dollar and thirty cents” | The Operator turns to bring Sonya’s card back to her |
| 1:28 | “Great, this works for me, thanks” | Sonya speaks to the Operator |
| 1:31 | “You’re welcome” | |
| 1:33 | And, with her new Presto card tucked safely away, she’s on her way. | Sonya tucks her Presto card in its holder. |
| 1:38 | If you or your companion are paying a regular Adult fare, paying by credit card debit card or mobile wallet may also be a convenient option. | Sonya smiles as the bus pulls away. |
| 1:45 | More flexible payment options on Para Transpo, for a more convenient way to go. | Interior shot of the bus shows Sonya on her trip. |
| 1:51 | Learn more at octranspo.com |
How does it work?
Pass your Presto card, debit card or credit card to the operator after boarding. The operator will tap it on the smartcard reader located at the front of the vehicle.
Where can I get a Presto card?
You can buy your Presto card online at prestocard.ca, or in person at participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations, at ticket machines, at an OC Transpo Customer Service Centre, or at select City of Ottawa Client Service Centres.
If you buy your Presto card online, it may take two weeks to ship.
Can I load my Presto card to pay per ride?
Yes! You can pay using a monthly pass or choose to load your e-Purse to pay per ride with a Presto card.
What if I’m a ParaPay user?
There will be no change to your ParaPay account in the short term. Your ParaPay account will not be affected if you decide to try out a Presto card.
I’m eligible for a discount, how do I add it to my Presto card?
When you buy a Presto card, you can set an age-based discount in person at a participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws or Real Canadian Superstore location.
If you are eligible for an EquiPass or Community Pass discount, give us a call at 613-560-5000 and we’ll make sure your discount is added to your Presto card.
Remember, credit card, debit card and mobile wallet will only charge a regular Adult fare. If you’re eligible for a discount, a Presto card is your best option.
How can I find out what my balance is on my Presto card?
You can check your balance any time by downloading the Presto app or signing in to your account at prestocard.ca. Or, you can ask the operator to have the machine read out your balance after you have paid.
Anything else I should know?
You can register your Presto card at prestocard.ca. That way, you can transfer your balance to a new card if it gets lost or stolen. For more information about Presto cards, visit prestocard.ca or call 1-877-378-6123.