Testing is officially underway to let passengers swipe their phones to hop on the bus, metro or the REM—something that the rest of the world has been doing for decades.
Over on Reddit, Montrealers had a lot of feelings about this—and some of them are even funnier than you think.
Read more: A virtual OPUS card is finally coming to Montreal
According to the people of the internet, this new update is irrelevant because: “Can’t board the bus, always on strike.”
Another commenter wrote: “Wowzers !!!! the STM steps into the 21st century like 12 years later,” with another succinct comment stating: “Caveman discovers fire.”
A few comments took aim at not having our finger on the pulse of cutting edge technology with messages like: “We were in like 1990 just 5 years ago, so it does seem we are catching up!” and “What kind of technology do you think we have in the year 2011?”
Hard not to argue with messages like: "Physical cards feel so old school," and "I don't want to have to purchase tickets in advance."
Some commenters expressed doubt and even anger: “I mean, i don't know if i believe them when they say that they will begin testing in 2026... but a man can hope.”
Or: “Anyone know if the virtual card will be accessible via android/apple wallet? Knowing Quebec, I'll assume no as that would be too convenient for us,” and: "Love how full of excuses the ARTM rep is for why we’re 10-20 years behind everywhere else on this. What does the age of our metro system have to do with..anything?"
One person wrote: “This feels criminal. There is no reason why I can use my phone to get on a bus in middle of nowhere Kansas, but can’t for a world class city like Montreal….Its about time.”
Do you agree with the people of Reddit?
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