New transit fare system goes live in Kamloops; Okanagan not far behind
Transit riders in Kamloops can now use BC Transit’s Umo electronic fare system, and the convenient service will soon be available in the Okanagan.
The contactless payment method gives riders more convenient choices at their fingertips, allowing payments to be made either using a Umo Mobility app or a reloadable Umo card.
The Umo app is free in Apple App and Google Play stores and once it is downloaded riders can create an account to manage their fares, according to BC Transit media release issued today, Feb. 21.
When riders get on a bus, they can open their app to show a QR code instead of using coins, cash or a ticket, and also benefit from extra tools providing real-time information and maps.
Another option for riders is to use a reloadable Umo card which can be picked up for free at a BC Transit Umo vendor. The card is designed for repeated use and riders can add other fare products either online or by calling customer service at 877-380-8181.
Similar to the Umo app, riders tap the card when they get onboard. BC Transit recommends riders register their card by creating an Umo account online or through the Umo customer service call centre in the event the card is lost.
Umo is also providing a 30-day pass that will eventually replace the current monthly pass. The new pass can be used on any day of the month and gives riders unlimited trips during a continuous 30-day period. Cash Balance allows riders to load an amount of money they can draw from as they travel.
“BC Transit plans to provide riders several months to transition to a new Umo payment method,” the release read. “While it is expected most riders will find one of Umo’s new payment methods a more convenient option, cash will continue to be accepted for riders who prefer it.”
Kamloops DayPass is a fare product Umo is improving by increasing the ways riders can use it. Riders paying with a Cash Balance fare product will have their fare capped and automatically converted to a DayPASS after payment on their second trip of the day. This means regardless of a rider’s chosen Umo payment method, a rider will never pay more than two times the value of a cash fare for unlimited daily travel in the Kamloops transit system.
Umo is already live in 14 transit systems in the province. Vernon, Kelowna and South Okanagan transit systems are in the queue.
At a future date, BC Transit plans to provincially enable onboard payments with debit and credit cards.
Go here for more information on Umo, including video tutorials and frequently asked questions.
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