Before you board, it helps to know how payment and validation work. Here’s what to expect when riding BC Transit.
Paying Your Fare
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
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 Displays Mean
When you scan your QR code or tap your Umo card, the validator shows a symbol to let you know what’s happening.
- 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.
- Red X: Your fare wasn’t accepted. This may happen if there’s no valid fare, not enough balance, or a problem reading your card or code.
If you see an amber check mark, you can check your balance or product validity in the Umo app, through the customer portal, or by calling Umo customer service. If you see a red X and aren’t sure why, 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 aged 12 and under, who ride free under BC Transit’s age policy.
For more details about who rides free, see the Children and Youth Fare 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 a Umo Cash balance:
- 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
Umo Cash can be loaded in amounts of $5.00 and up.
