Public transit users in Ottawa will still be able to use their bus tickets in 2013 after the PRESTO smart card is introduced, the transit commission decided today.

Councillors had many questions for OC Transpo head John Manconi and city staff on Monday as they learned more details about the cost and implementation of the new smart cards, which are set to replace bus passes, cash and tickets.

OC Transpo plans to introduce the new PRESTO smart card system July 1 where riders can reload a card to pay their fare instead of using a pass, ticket or cash. The system can exist on a pay-per-month basis or pay-as-you-go.

Manconi told the commission the switch to the card technology will cost about $32 million, with the province kicking in about $9 million.

While the cost of a smart card is projected to be cheaper than that of a bus pass, but there will be a higher cost of riding on OC Transpo buses with a ticket or cash.

OC Transpo, making a push to get Ottawa commuters to make the switch, will be launching a marketing campaign in shopping centres, libraries and public buildings to encourage people to make the switch.

Customers will be able to purchase the cards online, at OC Transpo kiosks or at kiosks at city hall and the St. Laurent and Bayshore shopping centres starting June 10. The card itself costs $6, but OC Transpo will waive the fee for the first 200,000 people to buy them.

The commission discussed a proposal to eliminate the paper bus ticket at the end of 2012, but in the end councillors decided against it.

Low-income riders still need tickets

Councillors at the commission had expressed concern that there were still a number of areas not covered by PRESTO and that many vulnerable groups would still need tickets or an equivalent option.

But councillor Marianne Wilkinson says bus tickets are still a reality for seniors and occasional riders.

"The low income people are the ones most challenged because they use bus tickets now," said Kanata councillor Marianne Wilkinson. "The bus tickets are going to be more costly than using the PRESTO card. We're going to have to work long and hard to make sure they get the best way to deal with it."

Tourists, as well, will still need to rely on tickets and down the road will likely rely on vouchers and disposable cards.

OC Transpo staff said they are looking into reducing the fee for the card and allowing some riders to load less than the $10 minimum.

There are also gaps as well in where the cards can be used. The cards could be used on a connecting trip from an OC Transpo vehicle to an STO bus in Gatineau, but not the other way around. PRESTO service is also not available on the Para-Transpo service.

Among the other proposed changes are the discontinuation of the Eco-Pass and the elimination of free bus service for seniors on Monday and Friday. The seniors' discount would remain on Wednesdays.