Before you board, it helps to know how payment and fare validation work on fixed-route transit. You have the option to pay a Single Ride fare when you board the bus, or you can purchase Fare Products ahead of time. Here’s what to expect when riding BC Transit.
How to Purchase Fare Products
You can purchase Umo fare products and load Umo Cash Balance prior to boarding. Umo Cash Balance lets you load a minimum balance of $5 to your Umo Card or Umo app to pay your fare. Once loaded, Umo Cash Balance is deducted as trips are taken. Fare Product options vary by transit system, with some systems offering discounted fares for seniors or students with Valid ID. Visit the Fares page to see what’s available and check eligibility prior to purchase.
You can load your Umo Cash Balance or buy fare products before you board in several ways:
- In the Umo app
- In person at a BC Transit retail vendor
- Online at ca.umopass.com
- By calling Umo customer service at 877-380-8181
Start using Umo
How To Pay When You Board
You can use cash, contactless payment, or Umo to pay your Single Ride fare when you board. Make sure to pre-purchase your Umo fare product, including Single Ride Concession fares for those eligible, or load Umo Cash Balance prior to boarding so you are ready to ride.
Contactless payment options include Interac, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cards linked to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay mobile wallets are also accepted.
A Single Ride fare lets you board a bus and transfer once for free, as long as you board the next bus within 90 minutes of your original departure time. Umo and contactless transfers are automatic, tap or scan your original payment method on your second bus to continue your trip without being charged. Visit the transfers page to confirm transfer rules in your system.
Pay with Cash
- Have exact change ready to pay the Adult or Concession Single Ride fare
- Insert coins or bills into the farebox to deposit payment.
- Taking another bus? Ask your driver for a paper transfer when you pay. Show it to your next driver so you don’t pay again.
Pay with Umo
- To pay or validate, simply scan the Umo app’s QR code or tap your Umo card at the validator.
- Umo will automatically validate your fare product when you board or, in the absence of a valid fare product, deduct a Single Ride Adult fare from your Cash Balance.
Pay with Contactless
- Simply tap your card or mobile wallet on the validator upon boarding to pay your Single Adult Ride fare.
- Make sure to use the same card each time you pay to get your transfer. Your physical card and your same linked card in a mobile wallet count as two different payment methods.
How to Use Contactless Payments
Contactless payment is a simple and secure way for you to pay your fare. Just tap your debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet on the onboard reader when you board.
To make your trip smoother:
- Use the same card all day
This makes sure you get your transfer benefits. A physical card and the same linked card in your mobile wallet are treated as different payment methods. - Tap one payment method at a time
Only tap the card or device you want to use. If more than one card is detected, you may be charged more than once. - Use your own card
Cards can’t be shared between riders. If a card is passed between people, the payment may be declined.
For more information, visit the Contactless Payment page
How to Use Umo
Umo allows you to select the best payment method for your lifestyle and travel habits. It’s your choice how you use Umo – mobile app or reloadable card.
To start, download the Umo App or pick up a Umo card for free from a BC Transit vendor.
Using the Umo App
Boarding with your Umo App
- Open the app and select “Show Code” to display your QR code.
- Scan your QR code at the front of the validator. Slowly pull your phone back until the scanner reads the code.
- Wait for the signal to confirm your fare is accepted.
Using your Umo Card
Boarding with your Umo Card
- Tap your card on the base of the validator.
- Listen for the beep and check the screen for a green check mark.
What the Validator Display Means
When you use a digital payment method, the validator displays a response screen to let you know what’s happening.
Green Check Mark
Your fare is accepted. You’re good to go!
Amber Check Mark
Your fare is accepted, but your Umo Cash Balance is running low or a Umo fare product is expiring soon. Some third-party Umo products will see an amber check mark to confirm the fare is accepted.
Red X
Your fare wasn’t accepted. This may happen if there’s no valid fare product or not enough Umo Cash Balance.
To confirm your balance or product validity you can check in the Umo app, at ca.umopass.com, or by calling Umo customer service at 877-380-8181.
