BC Transit is bringing the Umo platform to more than 900 buses across more than 30 transit systems. BC Transit has launched a single electronic fare collection solution, making public transit a safer, more convenient option for its many local communities. BC Transit awarded a contract to Cubic Transportation Systems for the Umo platform.
The introduction of Umo will open the door for riders to use contactless pre-paid fare products and contactless open payment technologies such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit and debit cards.
“We are excited to be sharing news of the transformational electronic fare collection system project that will make selecting transit as your mode of choice more convenient and accessible,” said Erinn Pinkerton, president and chief executive officer, BC Transit. “The innovative payment methods the system will enable are items that British Columbians carry on them every day. Whether someone is a daily rider, occasional rider or haven’t taken their first trip yet, Umo will make their trip easier.”
With Umo’s mobile app and reloadable smart card, BC Transit will also offer pre-paid stored value and pass products, so riders can easily purchase with a mobile device, new web portal or retailer and board simply by scanning their mobile device or tapping their card.
“Cubic has a nearly 20-year history in British Columbia through our partnership with Vancouver’s metro transit authority, TransLink,” said Jeff Lowinger, president of Cubic Transportation Systems. “We are excited to expand our partnership to BC Transit and deliver an electronic fare collection system that will ensure riders across the province have a seamless experience.”
The migration to contactless payments will offer greater convenience to riders while improving safety and security by reducing reliance on cash, automating means of fare purchase, improving onboard cleanliness by reducing farebox touchpoints and decreasing driver interaction following recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public transit is a vital service that should be accessible to citizens from all walks of life, not just those with smartphones or bank accounts,” said Bonnie Crawford, vice president and general manager, Umo. “The Umo platform ensures all riders receive equitable fares, regardless of how often they utilize public transit or the payment method they choose. We are thrilled to partner with BC Transit to make public transit more accessible for British Columbians.”
The project will expand Cubic’s existing footprint in British Columbia outward from Metro Vancouver. Serviced by Cubic’s existing customer, TransLink, the migration will serve small towns and adjacent urban centers, enabling better linkages between the provinces’ principal public transit agencies, BC Transit and TransLink.
