BC Transit’s Umo (pronounced “you-mo”) electronic fare system is now live in the Powell River Regional Transit System. Umo introduces contactless payment methods and new fare products that improve the transit experience by allowing riders to pick the best options for their lifestyle and travel habits.
New payment methods include the Umo Mobility app and a reloadable Umo card. 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 digital validator. The Umo app also provides riders with additional tools to help them plan their trip including real-time information and maps.
Riders alternatively have the choice of using a reloadable Umo card. A Umo card can be picked up for free from a BC Transit Umo vendor. The card is designed for continued use and can be continually topped up with fare products through a vendor, online at ca.umopass.com, or through Umo’s customer service call centre at 877-380-8181. When boarding, riders tap their card at the new onboard validator. Riders are recommended to register their card by creating a Umo account online or through the Umo customer service call centre using the unique number on the back of their card. Registering a Umo card will safeguard fare products in the event a card is misplaced. BC Transit Umo fare vendors are listed at bctransit.com/powell-river/fares/where-to-buy.
Umo’s arrival introduces changes and improvements to some of the region’s fare products with the introduction of the 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance fare products. The 30-Day Pass, eventually replacing the existing Monthly Pass, can be activated on any day and provide 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. 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 those who prefer to use it.
Umo’s arrival in Powell River simplifies the region’s transfer process. Riders using a Umo payment method no longer need to collect and retain paper transfer slips. Instead, riders can now simply scan or tap their original Umo payment method on their second bus within their 90-minute transfer window and continue to travel without an additional charge. A rider will know their transfer has been applied by referencing a confirmation message on the onboard validator’s digital screen. Riders travelling on multiple buses outside of the transfer window, including to and from Texada Island, are recommended to pre-purchase a DayPASS for their all-day travel with Umo.
BC Transit’s Umo customer service call centre is live for support. Riders can call 877-380-8181 toll-free from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to have their questions answered or receive support. For more information on Umo, including video tutorials and frequently asked questions, please visit bctransit.com/umo.
At a future date, BC Transit plans to provincially enable onboard payments with debit and credit cards.
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BC Transit Communications