BC Transit has introduced its Umo electronic fare system in the Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert Regional, Port Edward Regional and Skeena regional transit systems in British Columbia, Canada. Umo is owned and operated by Cubic Transportation Systems.
BC Transit has been planning for the roll out of Umo across 30 transit systems and began piloting the fare platform on the Victoria Regional Transit System. Umo has been installed on several BC Transit systems, including the November 2023 roll out on the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System, the January 2024 roll out on the Sunshine Coast Transit, Squamish Transit and Powell River Regional Transit systems and the April 2024 roll out on the Prince George Regional Transit and Quesnel Regional Transit systems.
The Umo Mobility app is free in the Apple App and Google Play stores. Once downloaded, riders create an account to purchase and manage their fare products. When ready to travel, riders open their app to display a dynamic QR code that serves as their fare product. As riders board the bus, they present their app’s QR code to a new onboard validator. The Umo app also provides riders with additional tools to help them plan their trip including real-time information and maps.
BC Transit notes Umo’s arrival introduces changes and improvements to some of the fare products riders use, including new 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance fare products. The 30-Day Pass, replacing the existing Monthly Pass, can be activated at any time and provides riders with unlimited trips during a continuous 30-day period. Cash Balance, an alternative to cash and tickets, is a pre-paid dollar amount loaded to the Umo app or reloadable card, which riders draw from as trips are taken. A Cash Balance value is drawn from by C$2.00 (US$1.46) on local routes in Terrace and Kitimat and C$4.00 (US$2.92) on the 11 Terrace-Kitimat Connector.
A digital transfer, removing the need to collect and retain paper transfer slips, is automatically applied to a Umo app or card at onboard validation. Riders then simply scan or tap their Umo payment method on their second bus within a 90-minute transfer window to continue to travel without incurring an additional charge. A rider travelling on the 11 Terrace-Kitimat Connector can transfer off to local service in Terrace or Kitimat. Riders are not able to transfer from local service onto the interregional route without the standalone 11 Terrace-Kitimat Connector fare. Riders travelling from Prince Rupert must pay the standalone fare on the 60 Port Edward.
While it is expected most riders will find one of Umo’s new payment methods a more convenient option, BC Transit will continue to accept cash for riders who prefer it.
