Saskatoon transit to launch new ‘smart card’ system for riders on March 20

Changes are the next stop for transit users in Saskatoon.

Starting on March 20, the Saskatoon Transit phone app and card system will essentially combine with the introduction of new, re-loadable “smart cards,” according to Mike Moellenbeck, Saskatoon transit operations director.

“These cards will integrate with our current Masabi mobile ticketing platform and it’s going to allow our riders to tap their new cards or device on the same validator,” Moellenbeck said.

The upgrade, he said, will be available for adult, senior and high school riders. The aim is to unify the fare system, reduce boarding confusion ans get rid of the need for multiple validators. Users with the new cards will simply scan their card on the same way app users currently do.

There will not be any change to the phone app.

“Everyone that has their phone app, that will still work.” Moellenbeck said, “and people that choose to buy a card for their monthly passes or ticket; they’re going to get a new card.”

The goal is to transition all of the old cards to the new ones. The old cards will also expire by Aug. 31. They can be purchased and re-loaded at the Transit Customer Service Centre and any stores that already sell the bus passes.

The system is much different than the updated Umo fare system launched in Regina March 2. Riders can pay their fares via debit, credit card or smart phone wallet systems, along with the Umo card, app, and cash, as well.

Moellenbeck said Saskatoon is still a ways away from riders being able to do that or being able to re-load the new smart cards from their own Interac or credit card accounts. Those options are still “in development.”

The smart card fares in Saskatoon will still be good for a certain time period, but users will still be asked to tap their cards every time they board a new bus.

“That helps us understand where the rides are and track our ridership,” he said. “If taps are happening on successive buses over a span of about ninety minutes, then we know those are linked transfers,” he explained.

Existing cards will have balances transferred to the new cards and the $5 activation fee will be waived. New cards will require that fee.

For more information on the cards, how they work, and what riders can expect you can visit the city website.