THUNDER BAY - Thunder Bay Transit has announced they are soft launching their new electronic smart card called Lift Pass.
These reloadable tap cards are available at the Thunder Bay Transit office at 570 Fort William Rd. free of charge until April 30.
After that date, transit riders can expect to pay a $5 purchasing fee for a new reloadable Lift Pass card.
Laura Daniels, supervisor of customer service for Thunder Bay Transit, told Newswatch the soft launch is early onboarding for members of the public who want to participate in a test group for the new digital payment system.
In January, Daniels announced a new digital farebox system which would provide passengers with an additional form of payment.
Passengers can load a day pass, 10-ride multipass, or monthly pass onto a Lift Pass online or at the transit office.
Once passengers board a city bus, they can just tap their card on the display.
Daniels said cash fares will still be accepted as well as traditional monthly passes or paper tickets.
She also advises students and seniors to show ID to be eligible for discounted fare cards.
Daniels said children 12 years of age and under “will still ride for free, but they will require a card to ride Thunder Bay Transit.”
Thunder Bay Transit will be adding additional locations to purchase a Lift Pass. Daniels said an announcement of that location will be made in the coming weeks.
