How Fares Work

Before you board, it helps to know how payment and validation work. Here’s what to expect when riding BC Transit. You can pay for a Single Ride when you board or purchase fare products ahead of time.

How to Purchase Fare Products

You can load your Umo Cash Balance or buy other fare products before you board in several ways:

  • In the Umo app
  • Online at ca.umopass.com
  • In person at a BC Transit retail vendor (visit our Where to Buy page to find one)
  • By phone by calling Umo customer service at 877-380-8181

How to Pay When You Board

You can use cash or Umo to pay your Single Ride fare as you board. A transfer can only be used within the transit system where you recieved it.

Pay with Cash

  • Have exact change ready for your Single Ride fare.
  • Insert your payment into the farebox.
  • Request a paper transfer from the driver at the time of payment if you need to board a second bus. Keep this transfer to show your next driver.

Pay with Umo

Umo makes paying for your ride quick and easy.

  • Adult Single Ride: Use your available Umo Cash Balance to pay when you board.
  • Concession Single Ride: If you’re eligible, you can purchase discounted concession Single Rides ahead of time through Umo.
  • Electronic Transfers: Your transfer is digital and automatic. Just tap or scan your original payment method on the second bus to continue your trip without being charged again.

How to Use the Umo Validator

Look for the validator near the driver and follow these steps to pay:

Using the Umo App

  1. Open the app and select “Show Code” to display your QR code.
  2. Scan your QR code at the front of the validator. Slowly pull your phone back until the scanner reads the code.
  3. Wait for the signal to confirm your fare is accepted.

Using a Umo Card

  1. Tap your card on the base of the validator.
  2. Listen for the beep and check the screen for a green check mark.

What the Validator Display Means

The screen on the validator uses simple symbols to let you know your fare status:

  • Green Check Mark: Your fare is accepted. You’re good to go!
  • Amber Check Mark: Your fare is accepted, but your balance is low or your pass is expiring soon. You should top up your account soon.
  • Red X: Your fare wasn’t accepted. This usually means you need to add more Cash Balance or buy a new fare product.

For information on handyDART fares, please visit the handyDART section in Rider Info.