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 have the option to purchase Single Ride fares when you board the bus or you can purchase Fare Products ahead of time.  

How to Purchase Fare Products  

You can purchase Umo fare products and load Umo Cash Balance prior to boarding in the following ways. Product availability will depend on your transit system  

  • In the Umo app 
  • In person at a BC Transit retail vendor, to find a vendor visit the Where to Buy page. 
  • By calling Umo customer service at 877-380-8181 

How To Pay When You Board 

Your can either use Cash or Umo to pay your Single Ride fare when you board. A transfer will only work within the system where you recieved it.

Pay with Cash 

  • Make sure you have exact change to pay either the Single Ride or DayPASS fare. 
  • Insert coins or bills into the farebox to deposit payment.  
  • If you would like a transfer, request one from your driver.  

Pay with Umo

  • Single Ride fares can be paid using available Umo Cash Balance  
  • A transfer is automatically applied after your second payment of the day. Once you’re capped, you can continue to use Umo without being charged again that day. 

How to Use the Umo Validator 

To validate your pass, digital fare product or utilize Umo Cash Balance at the time of boarding, follow the below steps:  

Using the Umo App 

  • Open the app and select Show Code to display your QR code.  
  • Display your QR code to the front of the digital validator. Slowly pull it back until the validator’s scanner is activated.  
  • Confirm acceptance by referencing the validator’s response screen and listening for auditory signal. 

Using your Umo Card 

  • Tap your card on the base of the digital validator. 
  • Confirm acceptance by referencing the validator’s response screen and listening for the auditory signal. 

Validation: What the 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. 
  • Amber check mark: Your fare is accepted. This will show if a Umo Cash Balance is running low or if a Umo fare product is close to expiring. 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.  

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

Transfers

Need to use more than one bus to reach your destination? Transfers are free and easy to use. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth connection:

  • 90-Minute Window: When you pay a local or regional fare, your transfer is valid for up to 90 minutes from your original departure time.
  • Travel with Umo: If you are using a Umo-enabled fare product, your electronic transfer is automatically applied. Simply tap your card or scan your app when boarding your first bus. When you board your second bus, tap or scan again—Umo recognizes your active transfer and you won’t be charged a second time.
  • Paying with Cash: If you’re paying with cash, please request a paper transfer from the driver as soon as you board your first bus. When boarding your next bus, show the transfer to the driver with the expiry time clearly visible. Please note that the expiry time is final.

Pro Tip: To simplify your travel and save on costs, consider a DayPASS. A local or regional DayPASS allows for unlimited travel all day long!

Route 70 Kelowna/Penticton

Please note that Route 70 operates with a standalone fare structure:

  • No Transfers: Local or regional transfers are not accepted on Route 70. A separate fare is required to board this route.
  • Fare Compatibility: DayPASS and 30-Day Pass products from the South Okanagan-Similkameen or Kelowna Regional systems are not valid on Route 70.
  • Connecting from Route 70: Route 70 fare products cannot be used as payment for the South Okanagan-Similkameen or Kelowna Regional transit systems. A separate fare must be paid when transferring to these local systems.