Umo Digital Fare Payments available on the Sunshine Coast

BC Transit's Umo (pronounced "you-mo") electronic fare system is now live in the Sunshine Coast 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 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 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 continued 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 on the Sunshine Coast include the Regional District Administration Office, Sechelt Aquatic Centre, Gibson Public Library, and the Gibson and Area Community Centre.

Umo's arrival introduces changes and improvements to some of the fare products riders use with the introduction of the 30-Day Pass and Cash Balance fare products. The 30-Day Pass, replacing the existing Monthly Pass as of February 1, can be activated at any time and provides riders with unlimited trips during a continuous 30-day period. Cash Balance, an alternative to cash and tickets, is a pre-paid dollar amount loaded to the Umo app or reloadable card, which riders draw from as trips are taken. 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. Riders interested in continuing to use tickets can continue to purchase them via the vendor network at the new price of $20.00.

The Sunshine Coast's onboard DayPASS fare product is improved with Umo's arrival by increasing the number of ways riders can access it and by lowering a rider's commitment to purchasing it. Riders paying with a Cash Balance fare product will have their fare capped and automatically converted to a DayPASS after payment on their second trip of the day. This means regardless of a rider's chosen Umo payment method, a rider will never pay more than two times the value of a cash fare for unlimited daily travel in the Sunshine Coast transit system. A rider will know a DayPASS has been applied to their payment method by referencing a confirmation message on the onboard validator's digital screen.

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. For more information on Umo, including video tutorials and frequently asked questions visit bctransit.com/umo.

At a future date, BC Transit plans to provincially enable onboard payments with debit and credit cards.