Codiac Transpo has launched the Codiac+ app, requiring in‑person ID verification for students and seniors buying discounted digital bus tickets. [1]

The change matters because a small group of riders have been sharing digital passes, making it harder for eligible students and seniors to receive the discounts they deserve. By tying each discounted ticket to a verified person, the agency hopes to protect fare revenue and preserve the integrity of its concession program. [3]

Under the new system, riders must visit a Codiac Transpo service centre with a government‑issued photo ID. Staff scan the ID, confirm the rider’s eligibility, and then issue a unique digital token that can be loaded onto the app. The token is linked to the individual’s profile and cannot be transferred to another device. Codiac Transpo said the step will curb pass‑sharing while still allowing convenient mobile purchases. [2]

The agency estimates that the verification process will affect roughly 15,000 student and senior riders who currently use the discounted fare tier. Those riders will still be able to buy tickets through the app, but each purchase will be tied to a single, verified account. The move also simplifies enforcement for drivers, who no longer need to guess whether a pass is being shared. [2]

Local advocacy groups said they had mixed reactions. Some seniors appreciate the added security, while others worry about the extra trip to a service centre. Student unions said the requirement may be inconvenient during exam periods and that the abuse of shared passes has been a persistent complaint. Codiac Transpo said it will monitor feedback and consider additional drop‑off locations if demand warrants. [1]

Codiac+ joins a growing list of Canadian transit agencies that are tightening digital fare rules. Similar ID‑verification steps have been introduced in Toronto and Vancouver to protect concession programs from fraud. As more riders rely on smartphones for fare payment, agencies are balancing convenience with the need to prevent misuse. [3]

**What this means** The new verification step aims to protect discounted fares for students and seniors while safeguarding revenue for Codiac Transpo. If the system works as intended, other transit authorities may adopt comparable safeguards, signaling a shift toward tighter digital‑fare controls across Canada.

“The app adds an in‑person ID check for discounted fares.”

The added verification step is designed to protect discounted fares for students and seniors while safeguarding revenue for Codiac Transpo. If the system works as intended, other transit authorities may adopt comparable safeguards, signaling a shift toward tighter digital‑fare controls across Canada.