This section describes how to pay for your fare aboard the bus. Visit the Fares page for available fare products and prices in the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System. When you are ready to travel, please have your payment ready prior to stepping aboard the bus.
Paying with Cash
- It is important to have the exact change for your fare on hand as bus drivers do not carry change.
- To pay with coins, insert them into the dispenser at the top of the farebox.
- If you’re using a bill, insert it through the scanner, located on top of the farebox.
Using a Transfer
- A transfer allows for continued travel within 90 minutes of trip departure without incurring an additional fare.
- If paying with cash, please request a paper transfer from the bus driver at the time of payment and submit the transfer to your next driver upon boarding your second bus.
- An electronic transfer will be automatically applied to your Umo payment method. Please tap or scan your Umo method on your second bus to continue to travel without incurring an additional charge.
Validating a Umo App
- Open the app and select Validation Code to display your dynamic QR code.
- Aboard the bus, present your QR code to the centre of the Umo validator.
- You’ll know your fare was accepted when you see Umo validator’s checkmark and hear a single beep.
Validating a Umo Card
- Tap your card at the base of the validator.
- You’ll know your fare was accepted when you see the Umo validator’s checkmark and hear a single beep.
Fare Checks
Please present the correct fare when asked by transit staff. Failure to present valid proof of payment while on transit may result in a fine: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96038_01
Please be courteous when your driver checks your fare—it is part of their job.
Registered Programs
CNIB Pass
The CNIB National Identification Card is valid for unlimited travel on all scheduled fixed-route services (excluding handyDART). The pass is available to medically blind individuals as determined by the CNIB criteria. Visit CNIB cnib.ca for more information.
Government of BC Bus Pass Program
An annual bus pass is available for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, providing unlimited access on any scheduled (conventional) BC Transit bus. To qualify for the BC Bus Pass Program, you must be receiving one of the following:
- Federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Spouses Allowance to Old Age Security
- Over 65 years would quality for OAS and GIS except having less than 10 years residency in Canada
- Income Assistance (60–64 years)
- Income Assistance for persons with a disability
For more information contact:
BC Bus Pass Program
PO Box 9950, Station Provincial Government
Victoria, BC V8W 9R3
Call toll free: 1-866-866-0800
The BC Bus Pass office can be accessed by email. Visit the BC Bus Pass Program website sd.gov.bc.ca/programs/bus-pass.html and check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
Promotions and Incentives
Tax Exemption
You do not pay tax when you purchase your transit fare. Transit fares are exempt from federal and provincial tax.
Visit the Fares regional link section to see what products are available in your area, and where to purchase tickets and passes.
Every time you take transit, you help fund your local transit system. One hundred per cent of the money received from fares goes back into maintaining and improving the system.