There are different ways you can pay to use public transit. You can pay cash ($2.75 for an adult) but bring exact change for the buses because drivers don't make change (but they do at the metro stations). You can also buy 6 tickets for $13.25 (which make comes to $2.21 per trip). But it's cheaper for children, students and people 65 years old or over. These prices are as of April 2010, always check the STM 's web site in the Fare information section for up to date prices and information.

In 2008, the Opus card was introduced. It's an universal smart card that can be "recharged" at metro stations and some other locations. It's the same card that is used by the different transit authorities in the region. You can use this card to buy individual trips (same price as tickets but you can also buy 10 trips for $21.00) or buy a weekly pass (valid from Monday to Sunday, so if you buy one on Thursday for example it will be valid until the next Sunday only) or buy a monthly pass (from the 1st of the month to its last day). Keep in my that you have to buy the card first for $3.50. If you don't like the look of the card, as most people do, you can visit OpusLift.com to dress up your card.

For visitors and tourists, there are 1 or 3 day cards ($7.00 for 1 day and $14.00 for 3 days). There cards are only available at certain metro stations. The same deal is offered if you already have an Opus card or don't mind buying one.

Tickets are available at metro stations and some stores like convenience stores and drug stores for example. The Opus card can be bought or "recharged" at metro stations and some locations. Check the Fare information > Points of sale section of the STM's web site for a list of those locations.