Meet Umo, coming aboard BC Transit
BC Transit’s project to implement the innovative Umo (pronounced “you-mo”) platform across the province is currently underway. This transformational project will introduce payment methods that will improve your transit experience.
Soon, you will be able to pay your fare with a new mobile app, credit card, debit card, reloadable smart card, and mobile wallet, providing you with the ability to pick the best fare product for your lifestyle and travel habits. New payment methods will increase your access to transit by allowing you to use items you carry every day, removing barriers like pre-purchasing tickets and passes, or carrying exact change.
More BC Transit’s Implementation of Umo
Umo will replace BC Transit’s end-of-life technology and equipment and introduce contactless payment methods. The new payment methods will be implemented in two phases, initially enabling the Umo mobile app and reloadable card payments before payment by credit card, debit card, and mobile wallets will be enabled.
At launch, Umo will introduce changes to some of the fares that riders use with the introduction of the 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance. These new offerings will provide riders with further ability to select the best option for their needs. The 30-Day Pass will eventually replace the existing Monthly Pass and provides the same convenience of having an unlimited long-term fare product but introduces the added flexibility of not having to wait until the start of a calendar month to utilize transit services. Cash Balance is stored dollar amounts loaded to a rider’s account to be drawn from as they take trips. Riders will be able to easily purchase both the 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance with their mobile device, through a new web portal, or at a retailer and board the bus by simply scanning their Umo app or tapping their reloadable Umo card.
Other benefits the Umo platform will bring include:
- Enabling seamless interregional transit by allowing you to travel across the province with one payment method
- Improving onboard cleanliness by reducing farebox touchpoints with the introduction of contactless payments
- Improving service reliability by reducing the demand on transit operators to visually validate and administer your fares products aboard the bus
- Growing ridership across the province by utilizing the platform’s digital tools to offer new promotions and rider programs
Learn More – Updated May 12, 2023
Can I participate in the Umo Pilot Project?
When can I use a Umo payment method?
Will my transit system implement Umo?
Will cash still be accepted?
Will there be a cost for a Umo reloadable card?
Will I be able to share my Umo payment method?
Please check back here for the most recent project developments or keep an eye out for new information on the coming Umo platform on our social channels Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Questions about BC Transit’s implementation of Umo should be directed to umoproject@bctransit.com.
BC Transit’s Electronic Fare Collection System Project is funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada contributing 50 per cent of eligible costs, the Province of British Columbia contributing 40 per cent, and the project’s local government partners contributing the remaining 10 per cent. The total cost for this project is $23,200,000.