Bring open payments on board without replacing what already works.
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Interac Debit on transit helps agencies move smarter.
Implementing open payments involves many moving parts, from where to start to how they fit within existing systems, resources, and budgets. And it’s about more than just collecting fares. Open payments also supports transfers, fare inspection, and reliable offline performance. Interac works as a vendor-agnostic guide to help transit agencies navigate the process from planning through to implementation.
Why it makes a difference.
Adding open payments isn’t just an upgrade. It improves the entire system to simplify operations while enhancing the transit experience for all.
Made for how Canadians pay today
Extends the everyday convenience of Interac Debit to transit, using a familiar payment method already in riders’ wallets, while supporting riders who may not have or prefer not to use a credit card.
Operational simplicity
Integrates with existing payment infrastructure, reducing complexity and keeping operations running smoothly.
Built in efficiency
Reduces the operational burden of handling cash and other traditional fare options, while opening up new ways to generate revenue.
Trusted, secure and proven
Supports open payments implementations across Canada, working alongside transit agencies, system integrators, and partners as a trusted vendor-agnostic guide.
Built around how your network runs.
Open payments are designed to work as part of your transit system, not just alongside it.
Transfers
Follows your existing transfer rules seamlessly, removing barriers that make paying harder than it needs to be.
Fare checking
Lets inspectors instantly confirm valid payment, right when it matters. All without sharing sensitive bank information.
Debt recovery
Retries declined transactions automatically to recover fares without slowing riders down.
Refunds
Handles refunds digitally, no card required and no extra steps for riders.
Customer support
Gives riders easy access to trip and payment details for fast, flexible support.
Offline functionality
Keeps taps moving even without connectivity, so service never skips a beat.
Want to learn more about how transactions work from tap to settlement?
Get in touchA clear path to open payments.
Implementing open payments helps you move forward at a pace that fits your resources and priorities, supported by experienced partners every step of the way.
Explore and align
Set the direction by learning from others, exploring options, and aligning on what matters most for your network.
Plan and procure
Turn strategy into action by defining requirements, engaging partners, and setting up for a smooth procurement process.
Integrate and test
Bring your solution to life through integration, certification, and testing to ensure it performs as expected.
Launch and optimize
Introduce open payments with confidence, support adoption, and continue improving over time.
Powered by proven partners.
Interac has worked with several system integrators and acquirers to bring open loop payments to communities across Canada. These partners have already completed the certification process and are processing payments today.
System Integrators
Acquirers
Coast to coast, and growing.
Open payments was built for transit systems big and small across Canada.
Ontario
ProvinceTransit systems already accepting Interac Debit
Live date of August 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of May 2023
Live date of October 2021
Legend
- Selected province
- Accepts Interac Debit
British Columbia
ProvinceTransit systems already accepting Interac Debit
Live date of Jan 2023
Live date of February 2026
Legend
- Selected province
- Accepts Interac Debit
Quebec
ProvinceTransit systems already accepting Interac Debit
Live date of June 2023
Legend
- Selected province
- Accepts Interac Debit
Alberta
ProvinceTransit systems already accepting Interac Debit
Live date of December 2025
Live date of July 2023
Legend
- Selected province
- Accepts Interac Debit
Saskatchewan
ProvinceTransit systems already accepting Interac Debit
New Brunswick
ProvinceTransit systems already accepting Interac Debit
Your questions, answered
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Can I continue to use closed loop with open loop?
Yes. Open payments work alongside your existing system, so riders can still use closed loop cards, passes, and other fare options.
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What happens if there is no cell service at boarding?
Open payments systems work even without a live connection, processing taps once service is restored and automatically retrying declined transactions to recover fares.
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Can I offer different fare types?
Yes. Your existing fare structure can stay in place. Some transit agencies may require concession, youth, and senior riders to link their card to access discounted fares.
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Are transfers supported?
Yes. Transfer rules can be maintained within your system, just as they are now.
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Can I offer concession fares?
Yes. Concession fares for eligible riders can still be applied based on your existing policies.
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Is fare capping supported?
Yes. Fare capping can be enabled based on your existing fare rules.
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Will tapping debit slow down boarding time?
No. Tap times are built for speed to keep things moving transaction times take less than a second, making them as fast or even faster than existing fare methods. In some cases, it can even help reduce queues at kiosks and ticketing agents by enabling more riders to tap and go.
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Are open loop systems safe?
Yes. Transactions are processed through secure, established payment networks with built-in fraud protection.
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How does procurement work?
Start by assessing your requirements, budget, and timelines. Interac can offer an informed perspective, based on extensive experience working with transit agencies, to help guide your decision with confidence.
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Is open payments realistic for smaller transit agencies?
Yes. Open payments are already in use across agencies of all sizes in Canada and are designed to work within different systems and scales, whether you’re operating 5 routes or 500.
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What does implementation look like with limited internal resources?
Interac works alongside transit agencies to help navigate the process, working with your system integrator who handle the technical implementation. This helps reduce the lift on internal teams while keeping your existing partners and systems in place.
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What about riders who don’t have a bank account or debit card?
Open payments are not a replacement for existing fare options. They simply add another way to pay, working alongside cash, cards, and other accepted methods so riders have more options.
Interested in exploring open payments even more?
No matter what stage you’re at, we’re here to help you explore what’s possible.
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