Transit System: Chilliwack
BC Transit’s Umo (pronounced “you-mo”) electronic fare system is now live in the Chilliwack Transit System. Umo introduces contactless payment methods and new fare products that improve the transit experience by allowing riders to pick the best options for their lifestyle and travel habits.
New Payment Methods
New payment methods include the Umo Mobility app and a reloadable Umo card. The Umo Mobility app is free in the Apple App and Google Play stores. Once downloaded, riders create an account to purchase and manage their fare products. When ready to travel, riders open their app to display a dynamic QR code that serves as their fare product. As riders board the bus, they present their app’s QR code to a new onboard digital validator. The Umo app also provides riders with additional tools to help them plan their trip including real-time information and maps.
Riders alternatively have the choice of using a reloadable Umo card. A Umo card can be picked up for free from a BC Transit Umo vendor. The card is designed for long-term use and can be continually topped up with fare products through a vendor, online at ca.umopass.com, or through Umo’s customer service call centre at 877-380-8181. When boarding, riders tap their card at the new onboard validator. Riders are recommended to register their card by creating a Umo account online or through the Umo customer service call centre using the unique number on the back of their card. Registering a Umo card will safeguard fare products in the event a card is misplaced. BC Transit Umo fare vendors are listed at bctransit.com/chilliwack/fares/where-to-buy.
New and Improved Fare Products
Umo brings changes and improvements to some of the transit system’s fare products with the introduction of the 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance fare products. The 30-Day Pass, eventually replacing the existing Monthly Pass, can be activated on any day and provides riders with unlimited trips within the transit system during a continuous 30-day period. Cash Balance, an alternative to cash, is a pre-paid dollar amount loaded to the Umo app or reloadable card riders draw from as trips are taken. Cash Balance fares can be used in any transit system across the Fraser Valley.
Umo’s arrival in Chilliwack improves the transit system’s ticket fare products and transfer process with convenient new digital options for both. A new digital 10 Rides fare product, eventually replacing physical paper tickets, is available via Umo at the same discounted price. Additionally, riders using a Umo payment method no longer need to collect and retain paper transfer slips. Instead, riders can now simply scan or tap their Umo payment method on their second bus within a 90-minute transfer window and continue to travel within the transit system without an additional charge. A rider will know their transfer has been applied by referencing a confirmation message on the onboard validator’s digital screen. Riders travelling on multiple buses outside of the transfer window are recommended to pre-purchase a DayPASS now available to their Umo payment method for all-day travel privileges.
While it is expected most riders will find one of Umo’s new payment methods a more convenient option, cash will continue to be accepted for those who prefer to use it. A date for the removal of paper ticket and Monthly Pass products has yet to be set; BC Transit plans to provide riders advanced notice of this change.
Interregional Travel
Riders travelling to the neighbouring Agassiz-Harrison and Hope transit systems are recommended to pre-purchase a Umo DayPASS. A DayPASS provides unlimited all-day travel privileges in the Chilliwack, Agazzis-Harrison, and Hope transit systems.
Riders using the Fraser Valley Express (FVX) route can also use a Umo payment method and fare product. Cash Balance, digital tickets, and a 30-Day Pass have all been added as accepted payment methods on the FVX in addition to cash. Transfers and DayPASS fare products are not accepted on this interregional route. BC Transit fare products, including Umo payment methods, are not valid on TransLink services.
BC Transit’s Umo customer service call centre is live for support. Riders can call 877-380-8181 toll-free from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to have their questions answered or receive support. Visit bctransit.com/umo for more information on Umo, including video tutorials and frequently asked questions.
At a future date, BC Transit plans to provincially enable onboard payments with debit and credit cards.
Media Contacts
BC Transit Communications
media@bctransit.com
