m-Card frequently asked questions

		What is an m-Card? The m-Card is an interactive smart card and is part of a new on-board fare collection system that Metrobus is launching on December 1st, 2006.  The m-Card is the same size as a debit or credit card.  When a customer boards a bus, he or she simply swipes the card in front of the on-board reader to pay the fare.  The reader recognizes what type of fare or pass is on the card and approves or denies the ride, electronically, in about a second. The neat thing about the m-Card is that once you buy your first one, you keep using the same card, week after week, month after month.  Value is added to the card by the user at any of our add value machines that will be located at our existing sales outlets.  In addition, you can add value to your m-Card online at Metrobus Dot Com using a credit card or PayPal.  Once the transaction has been approved, we'll add the purchase value to your card electronically, the next time you present it to the on-board reader on any of our buses.
		Do I have to buy an m-Card to continue riding with Metrobus? No.  If you're a cash-paying customer, everything stays the same for you.  The farebox will still be on-board and the m-Card reader will be added, so customers can pay with cash, or use an m-Card.

	Is there a cost for purchasing the card itself, before adding rides to it? For customers who purchase an m-Card and activate it upon purchase (add rides to it), there will be no charge for the m-Card itself. If someone wants to purchase a blank m-Card to take advantage of m-Card Partner Savings, there will be $5.00 charge for the m-Card.  There is also a $5.00 fee for replacement m-Cards that have been registered.
	When can I buy an m-Card and where can I buy one? The new m-Card will be on sale at all of our existing sales outlets, including our website and our Customer Service Centre at 245 Freshwater Road starting on November 15th, 2006.  Use of the m-Card on-board our buses will begin on December 1st, 2006.
	What are m-Points? Use your m-Card to ride with Metrobus and you'll earn m-Points that can be redeemed for valuable merchandise chosen from our online m-Card catalogue. In order to earn points though, you must register your m-Card online at this website or by calling 757-MBUS. You'll earn one point for every ride you take with Metrobus using your m-Card. In addition, there will be bonus days allowing you to earn as many as 10 points per ride for riding with us on a "bonus" day. Bonus days will be advertised through the m-Card website, mcard.metrobus.com.
	What happens if I don’t register my m-Card? First, you won't be able to accumulate valuable m-Points or view your m-Points balance online.  Second, a customer who has registered an m-Card that has been lost or stolen, can purchase a new blank m-Card for $5.00 and we'll replace the rides that were remaining on the lost or stolen card.  If a lost or stolen card is not registered, we can't do this and the customer will have to purchase a new m-Card for $5.00 plus purchase new rides.  Without registration there is no way to know who owned a specific card and, therefore, no way to cancel it when lost or stolen.  Finally, registration of your m-Card will allow us to mail you an annual statement summarizing your transit purchases that may be eligible for claim under the new transit pass credit program announced by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.  Register your m-Card - it's easy to do and it's well worth it.
	I want to register my m-Card, but I don’t have Internet access.  What can I do? If you do not have Internet access, you can still register your m-Card with Metrobus by calling Ride Guide at 722-9400 or by visiting our Customer Service Centre at 245 Freshwater Road.
	I heard I can personalize my m-Card with my own digital photo.  Is that true? In deed.  Your m-Card is your m-Card so why not personalize it with your favourite photograph?  For just a couple of dollars, we'll print your photo in full colour on your m-Card.  To take advantage of this service, you'll have to purchase your m-Card at our Customer Service Centre at 245 Freshwater Road, or, you can upload your photo to us if you are purchasing your m-Card online.  We'll process your request and mail you your personalized m-Card.
	What is the Gold Club? Customers who obtain 625 m-Points or more in a calendar year will automatically be enrolled in our m-Card Gold Club.  First, we'll mail you out a new gold m-Card and we'll even personalize the card with a digital photograph at no additional charge.  But the greatest advantage to being a Gold Club member is that you'll earn m-Points, twice as fast with your gold m-Card - instead of a point per ride, you'll accumulate two points per ride bringing you that item you want from our m-Card Rewards catalogue that much faster.
	What are m-Card partner offers?  How do I take advantage of them? We're busy partnering with local businesses to give m-Card holders some great deals!  Visit our partners page to view a list of m-Card partners and the corresponding offer for m-Card holders.  To take advantage of the offer, simply go to a partner location and show them your m-Card.  There is one catch, you'll need an m-Card as these offers are exclusive to m-Card holders.
	I'm a monthly pass user and I use my pass to transfer to other routes without having to obtain paper transfers.  Can I still do this with the m-Card? Absolutely. Just present your m-Card to the on-board reader for each bus you board. You don't need a transfer, the m-Card handles it all.
	I use a 10-Ride pass, how do transfers work for me with the new m-Card? The m-Card will handle your transfers from now on - you don't need to request a paper transfer. When you board your first bus, data will be written to your m-Card about the time and route that you are boarding. When you go to transfer to the second bus, simply present your card to the reader on the second bus and the transfer information will be used to approve your ride. You should still let the Driver of the first bus know that you want to transfer so he or she can radio ahead to ensure the transfer will take place at your transfer location.