BC Transit is launching credit and debit tap-to-pay in the Whistler and Pemberton transit regions, which are the first to implement the new technology.
Following the implementation in these regions, BC Transit says their goal is for all regions of the province, including Victoria, to have tap-to-pay implemented by early 2026.
These changes aim to make it easier for people to ride fixed-route buses in the Whistler Transit System and the Pemberton Valley Transit Systems.
Transit riders in these regions will be able to tap their debit cards, credit cards or mobile wallets beginning on February 24th.
Whistler and Pemberton are the first to have tap-to-pay launched.
According to BC Transit, this new implementation will make riding the bus more convenient because transit users won’t need to load or manage their Umo balance if they would rather tap a card instead.
The card readers will be able to read all Interac, Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards. Additionally, they will be compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay mobile wallets.
When utilizing the new contactless payment system, card taps will charge the rider at the same rate for a single-ride adult fare for the region with no extra fees.
BC Transit says that riders who are eligible for a concession fare such as a seniors’ fare should continue to use the Umo app, a reloadable Umo card or cash to get their discounted rate.
This Electronic Fare Collection System Project of BC Transit’s costs a total of $24.8 million, and is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments, along with local government partners.
Though BC Transit confirmed that their goal is to have these new payment options implemented in Victoria and across the province by early 2026, no official date has been set as of this publication.
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