EcoPASS allows organizations to establish a transit fund of a predetermined amount that grants eligible individuals access to transit in their local system. The program is easy to use for transit users and provides an alternative to pre-purchasing individual fare products, with each dollar invested spent on tangible transit usage.
Here’s how it works:
- A developer, employer, or event organizer puts money into a shared transit fund.
- People who are allowed to use the program (for example, residents of a new building) are given access via Umo and can then tap their Umo card or app to ride the bus.
- Each time they ride, the Single Ride or DayPASS fare is automatically deducted from the fund until the fund is depleted, or the pre-determined expiration is reached.
EcoPASS is predominantly used as a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that provides developers with a potential transit-oriented solution for parking variance requests. It allows developers to invest in a transit fund that gives residents easy access to transit as an alternative to parking. The value of the transit fund is determined by local municipalities as a part of the development approval process. Once a fund is created, it is made available to residents until depleted, or for the maximum term length outlined in the EcoPASS agreement (usually five to seven years).
Although EcoPass is predominantly used for development‑related TDM purposes, it can also be used for:
- Conferences and large events that want to include transit access for attendees
- Organizations that want to provide free transit for employees or volunteers
- Seasonal or program‑based initiatives where users benefit from easy, prepaid access
Program Administration
BC Transit administers the EcoPASS program through Umo, BC Transit’s electronic fare technology.
This includes:
- Contract management
- Enrolment and setup
- Ongoing program support and promotional materials
- Invoicing and reconciliation
EcoPASS organizations are required to facilitate distributing the EcoPASS access codes to eligible participants, and participants are not required to share their personal details or contact information with BC Transit.
Discount Structure
EcoPass may include a discount on Single Ride fares based on the size of the transit fund established (fund must exceed $5,000 to be eligible). Larger funds receive a higher discount on the Single Ride fare, meaning the fund can stretch further and provide more rides for participants. Discounts on Single Ride fares can be provided upon request.
Connect with the BC Transit Team
Interested in learning more about the EcoPASS program? Reach out to a BC Transit representative to discuss the program and your specific needs.
Tessa Stewart
Manager, Business Development
250-889-4837
tlstewart@bctransit.com
ecopass@bctransit.com