Montreal OPUS cards are now officially reloadable on all smartphones — here's how it works

The moment we've been waiting for has finally arrived! All Montrealers can now recharge OPUS cards with their phones.

While the feature had already been made available to around 15,000 citizens in recent weeks for testing purposes, it is now officially accessible to anyone with a smartphone — regardless of whether you have an iPhone or Android.

"The functionality offers more flexibility to OPUS card holders, in particular by avoiding queues at points of sale and service and by allowing them to purchase tickets more spontaneously, while traveling," the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) said in a press release announcement published Wednesday morning.

How do I recharge my OPUS card with my phone?

Start by downloading the Chrono app if you don't already have it. Chrono is available via the Apple App Store as well as on Google Play.

Pro Tip: You might need to update the app or delete and re-download it in order for the new feature to become available.

Once you're signed into the Chrono app, link your OPUS card to your account by tapping the little card icon with a dollar sign on it. You'll find it in the upper right-hand corner. Or if you're looking at the full main menu, press "OPUS read and reload."

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

Tap the "Start reading" button and then hold up your OPUS card to your phone's camera with the chip facing toward your phone. You should feel a vibration once the app has detected your card. Your camera will automatically import the card number as well as the remaining trips on your card.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

Next, press "Purchase a transit fare." You'll be prompted to "Choose your travel zones," meaning that you need to indicate the areas of your departure and arrival. For instance, are you travelling only within Zone A (the agglomeration of Montreal) or does your trip involve travelling between Zones A and B, which includes Longueuil and Laval.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

Once you do this, you can choose your transit fare, which varies depending on what kind of pass you want to buy.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

Hit next, confirm your order and pay. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards as well as Interac cards through Google Pay and Apple Pay digital wallets are all acceptable forms of payment.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

You will receive confirmation that the transaction was approved.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

Then press "Reload your card" followed by "Add fares" to complete the process. You will have to scan your card one more time at this point.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

And that's it. Voila! You've just purchased your fare directly from your phone.

Screenshot of the Chrono app, which Montrealers can now use to reload their OPUS cards.Ilana Belfer | MTL Blog

Does this change only apply to Montreal?

The Chrono app is meant for users in Greater Montreal so only folks taking transit in the Greater Montreal area can benefit from mobile recharging.

However, the ARTM's director of public affairs and communications, Simon Charbonneau, reportedly told La Presse that Quebec, Lévis and Joliette will be getting their own apps by next June, and that "discussions are already underway" with other municipalities.

Are more new features on the way?

In its press release, the ARTM says the team behind this project is planning to make further improvements "in the coming years."

These include granting you the ability to pay with your bank card directly at the terminal and allowing you to manage your tickets online or with a smartphone — without the use of a physical medium.

In other words, definitely do not toss your OPUS card just yet. But you'll probably be able to do so within the next few years.