Some people with monthly bus passes are upset that they're still being charged for next month, even though many are supposed to stay home, some are out of work and public transit services are being reduced.
A CJAD 800 texter contacted yourstory@cjad.com saying they were still charged $114 for their Opus pass subscription for April; another subscriber was also charged but didn't want to cancel because she'd lose benefits and discounts linked to the STM's Maestro level program.
The ARTM, which is in charge of the fares, said in a statement to CJAD 800 that even requesting a refund would be the equivalent of cancelling the subcription and the discounts.
The ARTM explained that the automatic debits are made twice a month and ever since the March payments were processed, there's been some changes in the COVID-19 situation.
ARTM spokesman Simon Charbonneau said they're looking at ways to manage the automatic debits in the months to come if this drags on and to help subscribers so that they don't lose their benefits and discounts so expect more announcements in the next few days.