By Times Chronicle Staff
BC Transit’s contactless fare system – Umo (pronounced “you-mo”) – is now live in the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System.
The new system introduces contactless payment methods and new fare products that BC Transit says “improve the transit experience by allowing riders to pick the best options for their lifestyle and travel habits.”
The new electronic payment methods include both the Umo Mobility phone app (free in the Apple App and Google Play stores) and a reloadable Umo card.
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 ticket. As riders board the bus, they present their app’s QR code, or Umo card, to a new onboard validator.
The Umo app also provides riders with additional tools to help them plan their trip including real-time information, scheduling, and maps.
The Umo cards are available for free from a BC Transit Umo vendor which includes Town Hall in both Oliver and Osoyoos. The card is designed for repeated 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.
Riders are recommended to register their card by creating a Umo account online or through the Umo customer service 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.
Other benefits of the Umo system that BC Transit touts include digital transfers removing the need to collect and retain paper transfer slips; a new pre-purchased digital DayPASS is available for riders travelling on more than one bus in multiple directions throughout the day; and 30-Day Passes, eventually replacing existing Monthly Passes, can be activated on any day of the month and provide riders with unlimited travel during a continuous 30-day period.
Monthly Pass and ticket fares will continue to be offered for several months according to BC Transit, in order to enable riders to get used to the new system. Cas will continue to be accepted for riders who prefer it.
At an unspecified, future date BC Transit plans to provincially enable onboard payments with debit and credit cards.
Riders can call 877-380-8181 toll-free from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to receive support. For more information on Umo, including video tutorials and frequently asked questions visit bctransit.com/umo.
