Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When can I get the GOVA Pass Smart Card?
A. The GOVA Pass Smart card will be available June 1. From June 1 to June 12 GOVA Pass smart cards are free with the purchase of a 6 Ride or 31 Day pass.
Q. What is the cost of the GOVA Pass Smart Card?
A. There is a one time cost of $5.25 for the GOVA Pass smart card.
Q. What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
A. Please visit the Downtown Transit Hub Kiosk to request a new card and have your old card deactivated. Once deactivated, the old card can no longer be used.
If the card was registered, any remaining balance will be transferred to the new card. If the card was not registered, any remaining balance will be lost.
The cost of a replacement card is $5.25.
Q. Can I have more than one card at a time?
A. Adult fare riders may have multiple smart cards linked to their account. For example, one card can be loaded with a 6-Ride Card and another with a 31-Day Pass, and both can be used interchangeably.
Concession fare riders are limited to one smart card per account.
Q. Can I use both the GOVA Pass mobile app and the smart card?
A. Adult fare riders can use both the GOVA Pass mobile app and the GOVA Pass smart card. However, passes purchased in the mobile app are valid only for mobile fares and cannot be loaded onto a smart card. Smart cards must be reloaded separately.
Due to eligibility requirements, Concession fare riders must choose either the mobile app or the smart card. Concession fares cannot be used across both platforms.
Q. Can I still buy magnetic ride cards at third party vendors?
A. Yes, but only while supplies last. During the transition to GOVA Pass, third party vendors may continue to sell their remaining stock. Magnetic ride cards are valid until December 31, 2026.
Q. Is photo ID still required for concession fare?
A. Concession riders must still have transit photo ID. For GOVA Pass smart card users, the transit photo ID is now provided on the back of the card.
Q. How long will magnetic ride cards continue to be accepted on GOVA Transit buses?
A. Magnetic ride cards will continue to be accepted throughout the extended transition period, ending December 31.
Q. What if I still have magnetic cards after December 31? Will I be able to get a refund?
A. No refunds will be issued for unused magnetic cards. Riders are required to use any existing magnetic cards they have by December 31, 2026.
Q. Can I use my debit or credit card to pay for my ride on the farebox?
A. Debit and Credit Tap is not yet available on GOVA Transit buses. This feature is currently in development and is not a functional payment option at this time.
Q. How do I know how many rides I have left or how much time is left on my 31 day pass?
A. You can ask your bus operator to check the balance and expiration date by tapping on the farebox. You can visit the downtown transit hub, libraries or CSCs, if you have registered your card on your GOVA Pass eFare site you can check your card balances online.
Q. Can I share my GOVA Pass card with friends or family?
A. GOVA Pass smart cards are for individual use and cannot be shared, as each card is linked to the fare category of the user.
Riders with an Adult, Concession, Senior, or Student 31-Day Pass may bring up to four youth (ages 12 and under) to ride free. All transit passes remain the property of the City of Greater Sudbury. Misuse or fare evasion may result in confiscation or denied access under the Trespass to Property Act.
Q. I still have a paper bus pass / ride card, do I need to get the GOVA Pass Smart Card?
A. Sales of paper ride cards will end June 1st, during a transition period, existing magnetic bus passes and ride cards will continue to be accepted on GOVA Transit buses until December 31, 2026. After December 31, 2026, riders will be able to pay fares using cash, a smart card, or the mobile app.
Q. Can I buy more than one pass at a time?
A. It is possible to purchase multiple passes at the same time, including different types of passes. Only one pass can be active at any given moment.
If multiple passes are loaded onto the same card—for example, a 6-Ride Card and a 31-Day Pass—rides will be deducted from the 6-Ride Card first. Once all rides have been used, the 31-Day Pass will automatically activate on the next tap.
Q. Need a transfer?
A. Ask the bus operator after paying the fare. Transfers are valid for 90 minutes from the time of issue.
Q. Do my passes and ride cards expire on my card if I don’t use them within a certain amount of time?
A. 31 day passes expire 31 days after they have been activated. 6 Ride passes do not expire, rides are deducted from the cards.
Q. Will anything change for GOVA Zone passengers?
A. No. The process remains the same. Ask the operator on your connecting conventional transit bus for a GOVA Zone transfer.
Q. Can I access a receipt for income tax purposes?
A. Yes. Through your “Order History” you can see all your previous purchases and when you reload your card online you will be emailed a receipt. If you reload your card in person a receipt will be provided to you at the time of your purchase.