Before you board, it helps to know whether you need to pay and how payment works. Here’s what to expect when riding BC Transit.
Who Rides Free
Children 12 and Under
Children aged 12 and under can ride BC Transit buses for free.
- No fare, Umo card, app, or ID is needed.
- They don’t need to validate when boarding.
Ages 5 and under
- Children aged 5 and under ride free when accompanied by someone aged 12 or older.
- They must board and get off at the same stop as their guardian.
Paying Your Fare
If your ride isn’t free, have your payment ready before you step on the bus. You can pay with cash, the Umo app, or an Umo card.
Paying with Cash
- Make sure you have exact change.
- Insert coins into the slot at the top of the farebox.
- If you’re using a bill, place it into the scanner on top of the farebox.
Paying with Umo
If your ride is free, you don’t need to scan or tap. Just take a seat.
Using the Umo App
- Open the app and select Show Code to display your QR code.
- Hold your QR code in front of the centre of the Umo validator.
- Watch the screen and listen for the beep to confirm your fare.
Using an Umo Card
- Tap your card on the base of the validator.
- Watch the screen and listen for the beep to confirm your fare.
Validation: What the Check Marks Mean
When you scan your QR code or tap your Umo card, the validator shows a check mark to let you know your fare is accepted.
Green check mark: Your fare is accepted and everything is good to go.
Amber check mark: Your fare is accepted, and there’s something you should be aware of. This may mean your Umo Cash balance is running low or your fare product is close to expiring. You can still ride, and it’s a good idea to check your balance or product details in the Umo app soon.
If you don’t see a check mark or hear a beep, your fare may not have gone through. Try again or ask the driver for help.
When validation isn’t required
You don’t need to validate with the Umo app or an Umo card if your ride is free. This includes children who ride free under BC Transit’s age policy.
Umo Cash Balance
Umo Cash balances are deducted as you take trips. Cash payments are automatically capped after your second payment of the day. Once you’re capped, you can continue to validate your Umo app or card on the bus without being charged again that day.
You can purchase an Umo Cash balance:
Umo Cash can be loaded in amounts of $5.00 and up.
