A transit card (or smart card) is a reloadable payment card used to pay transit fares by tapping on readers when boarding vehicles or entering stations. Cards can be loaded with stored value or passes. Benefits include faster boarding (no fumbling for change), automatic transfer recognition, usage data for planning, and reduced cash handling. Most major Canadian transit systems use electronic fare cards—Presto in Ontario, Compass in Vancouver, Opus in Montreal. Card systems require significant technology investment and may charge fees for cards or transactions. Integration allowing one card across multiple transit systems improves regional mobility. Transit cards are evolving toward mobile phone payment, allowing smartphones to function as fare payment devices.