Transit riders have a new payment system in Whistler and Pemberton, with BC Transit introducing Umo, a digital payment method.
The product roll-out includes two payment methods, the Umo Mobility app and a reloadable card. Transit riders can purchase fare on the app and use tools to plan their travel. Riders can also register their card, which protects the fare when a card is lost or stolen. Other cities throughout the province have already seen Umo roll into town.
Whistler’s Umo features
The card option is free and available at convenient locations in Whistler, including Meadow Park Sports Centre, Whistler’s Visitor Centre, The Whistler Grocery Store and Nesters Market, to name a few.
Paper transfer slips are replaced with a transfer that loads onto the Umo app or card automatically when riders swipe in. After transferring to another bus within 90 minutes, riders can tap their card or phone and continue riding without getting charged a second time. Paper transfers are still available for those paying by cash or using a ticket.
Cash loaded onto Umo cards or apps can be used in Pemberton and Whistler. When a rider taps their card or app, $2.50 is drawn from their Umo account.
Ten-strip tickets are now replaced with a digital equivalent and purchased the same way other fare is for a discounted price.
There are also new 30-day, six-month and 12-month passes which will eventually replace magnetic strip passes and give riders unlimited access to public transportation. However, the six-month and 12-month passes are only available at municipal hall.
Pemberton’s Umo features
Riders can grab a card in Pemberton at the Village of Pemberton’s office or the Pemberton and District community Centre. Umo cards are topped up online, at a vendor or by calling Umo’s customer service line at 1-877-380-8181.
Riders will pay $2.50 in Pemberton from their app or card, or $4.50 for the 99 Pemberton Commuter. Students and seniors get discounted rides for $2 or $4, in Pemberton or on the Commuter, by purchasing a single ride fare.
Ten-strip passes are also going digital in Pemberton.
Transfers are granted for riders on the 100 Pemberton Local, but if a rider takes the 99 Pemberton Commuter they need to pay a standalone fare.
On offer is a new digital day pass which gives riders unlimited local and commuter travel options, and BC Transit recommends this option for riders who take the bus in Pemberton and whose commutes take longer than the 90 minutes allotted for transfers, or for those who travel outside transfer boundaries.
The Pemberton roll-out also includes a 30-day local and commuter pass, which will eventually replace monthly passes.
BC Transit won’t phase out traditional passes and paper tickets immediately, and they will still accept cash payment.
Eventually, BC Transit aims to onboard debit and credit options throughout the province.
The final sale date for existing passes and paper tickets has yet to be announced.
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