Windsor introduces 'smart' tunnel bus passes to eliminate end-of-month rush

A newpass is coming for tunnel bus users.

Starting Jan. 15, Transit Windsor will phase out the current calendar-based magnetic pass for the tunnel which must be purchased once a month.

The new tunnel bus pass, which implements"smart" technology, can be reloaded at Transit Windsor's downtown terminal or the bus company's office on North Service Road every 15 or 30 days.

"This will eliminate the need to rush in at the end of the month to purchase your next month pass and most importantly help you avoid waiting in line," the city said in a release.

The pass will activatethe first time it is tapped on the bus' fare box reader and will be valid for 30 days.

"Transit Windsor's goal is to eliminate all magneticpassesand paper tickets and replace them with the smartpassover time. Once this has been implemented, it will provide us the opportunity to move to the next phase and final stages, including additional locations to reload yourpassand finally mobile ticketing," said the City of Windsor.

The prices for monthly tunnel and combo passes will remain at $95 and $157, respectively. Magnetic passes will still be valid until Jan. 31. Alternatively, riders can pay with aone-time, cash fare of $3.00 for the city bus and $5.00for the tunnel bus.