B.C. Transit expects to have the first of its electronic fare-collection systems installed on buses in Greater Victoria this week, as part of a pilot project to test the components of its new Umo payment system.
The system, when installed and fully implemented this spring, will allow passengers to pay by tapping a fare reader with a reloadable smart card, app on a mobile device, debit card, credit card or mobile-device wallet.
B.C. Transit staff will test the system before the option is extended to the public, with installation of fare validators or readers set to begin this week. The conversion to tap-payment options is expected to cost $23.2 million, with the funding shared by the federal government (50 per cent), the provincial government (40 per cent) and local government partners (10 per cent).
B.C. Transit says the goal is to remove barriers like having to pre-purchase tickets and passes or carry exact change. Its existing farebox technology is also over 30 years old and has become difficult and expensive to repair.
The new payment methods will be implemented in two phases. The first will enable use of the Umo mobile app and reloadable Umo card payment. The second phase will allow passengers to use credit card, debit card and mobile wallets.
There will be some changes to fare options with the Umo program. A 30-day pass will eventually replace the monthly pass, and Cash Balance will store dollar amounts on a rider’s account to be drawn from as they take trips. Both fare options can be bought on a mobile device, through a new web portal or at some retailers.
The day pass will get an upgrade when Umo is launched. Riders who select the Umo app or reloadable Umo card will have their fare capped and automatically converted to a day pass after their second tap or scan.
Cash will continue to be accepted for single ride and day-pass fares.
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