Great news has arrived for transit riders: You can now use Interac Debit contactless payments to pay adult transit fares with participating transit agencies across Canada just by tapping your debit card or digital wallet.
It’s as easy as paying for a cup of coffee, it’s secure, and it means you can pay with money right from your own bank account — and without the need for specialized fare cards or tickets. For example, if you live in Metro Vancouver, you can pay your adult fare using Interac Debit on every local transit bus and at every fare gate. And you can also use it to board in Toronto, Mississauga, Fredericton and many other cities across the country.
On this page, you can find out where local transit agencies are accepting Interac Debit to pay for a ride, how to take advantage of this convenient option, and other important things to know.
Can I pay for a bus, streetcar, subway or train ride with Interac Debit?
Yes, if a local transit agency offers it as a payment option. The next section shows you which transit agencies offer Interac Debit contactless payments.
Where in Canada can I pay for a transit ride with Interac Debit?
Interac Debit is available on transit systems across Canada to pay for an adult fare. This includes the Toronto Transit Commison (TTC), Translink, GO Transit, and more.
Use the dropdown below to find out if your local transit authority accepts Interac Debit, and for more information.
How do I pay with Interac Debit to ride transit?
If you’re riding on a participating public transportation system, you simply tap your debit card or digital wallet at a fare reader to pay for a ride at the full adult fare level. See how to do it here.
On some transit systems, riders are also required to “tap off” using the same payment method on a fare reader when they complete their ride. Pay attention to signage, and for details, visit the website of the transit system you’re planning to use.
Can I pay for a transit ride using Interac Debit on my digital wallet?
Yes. If a transit system accepts Interac Debit for payment at fare terminals and you have loaded your debit card onto your digital wallet, you can use your mobile phone or wearable device to pay for adult fares. Make sure to select Interac Debit as your payment method before tapping.
Why is it convenient to pay for transit using Interac Debit?
Contactless payments using Interac Debit help make transit systems more convenient for regular and occasional riders. Here are some advantages of using Interac Debit contactless payments to board a bus, streetcar, subway or train:
- No need to carry a separate card just for transit rides
- You don’t need to maintain a balance on a transit fare card
- No lineups to buy fares or load a fare card
- It’s easier for Canadian tourists/visitors and occasional users
- It’s contactless, which is quick and convenient
- Pay using the money in your your bank account, with no surprise bill later
More questions and answers about paying for transit with Interac Debit
What are the advantages of paying for transit using Interac Debit?
Interac Debit offers a number of advantages as a payment method for adult transit fares, including the fact that it’s quick, convenient, it lets you pay with your own money from your bank account, and it doesn’t require you to carry a separate card just for transit rides.
Can I use my debit card to board a public transit bus in Canada?
Yes, you can use your Interac Debit card to board a bus if you’re using a participating public transport system.
How do I pay for a transit ride without a fare card?
You can use your Interac Debit card to pay for an adult fare on participating transit systems by tapping the reader when you board the bus or streetcar, or pass through the fare gate at a station. Learn how to do it here, and see participating systems here.
For more questions and answers about Interac Debit for transit, see this FAQ page.
Interac: Making everyday life easier to navigate
You might be wondering: “I don’t see my city’s transit system on the list of ones that accept Interac Debit for payment when boarding. Is it coming soon?”
The answer is that we’re working on rolling out this opportunity in more Canadian cities and transit systems. And in the bigger picture, we’re always looking for new technologies and offerings that will make life easier and more convenient for Canadians on the go.
How easy is it to pay for transit using Interac Debit?
