BC Transit launches tap-to-pay province-wide

BC Transit is introducing contactless fare payment on fixed-route buses in participating Umo transit systems, making transit more convenient and easier to use.

Starting today, riders can tap-to-pay using a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet in all 30 transit systems across the province that offer Umo. Contactless payments remove payment barriers, making it easier for people to choose public transit.

Tap-to-pay gives riders the flexibility to pay in the way that works best for them. Benefits of these new payment methods include:

• Convenient, secure and quick payment options.
• The ability to use the same trusted Interac, Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards that are used for everyday purchases.
• Cards linked to Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay mobile wallets are also accepted.
• Payment with a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet means riders don’t need to load or manage a balance on an account.

Contactless payments automatically give riders fare privileges available in their transit system, such as a fare transfer or a capped daily fare. Riders can tap their preferred payment method on the onboard readers already in place on BC Transit buses. Contactless taps charge cards at the same single-ride adult fare as cash or Umo with no extra fees. Riders eligible for a concession fare should continue to use the Umo app, a reloadable Umo card or cash.

To ensure a smooth trip, riders are encouraged to:

• Pay with the same card all day to receive automatic fare capping benefits in participating transit systems.
• Tap a single card and not your full wallet to avoid being charged more than once.
• Plan for each rider in a group to tap their own card, as cards cannot be shared. 

BC Transit’s Electronic Fare Collection System Project is funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The total cost for this project is $24.8 million, jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and local government partners.

For more information, contact BC Transit’s Umo Customer Service team toll-free at 877-380-8181.  

Visit bctransit.com/contactless/ to learn more about contactless payments and which fare privileges are available in each Umo participating transit system.

 

Quotes:

Modern and accessible transit systems are essential to building connected communities. Our government is proud to work with partners to help remove barriers to public transit and make it easier for people to move around their communities. This project demonstrates what’s possible when we work together to deliver practical, rider‑focused infrastructure that improves the daily lives for people across British Columbia.

— Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria

 

Making transit easier and more accessible is a key to building connected communities throughout British Columbia. With the launch of tap‑to‑pay on BC Transit buses, people can now use the debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallets to pay their fare quickly and securely. Adding these modern, contactless options makes choosing transit a more convenient option for people across the province.

— Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit

 

We’re making transit easier to use by introducing contactless payment, allowing you to pay your fare with a simple tap. It’s the same tap-to-pay experience many people already use every day, with your credit card, debit card or mobile wallet. This gives our riders more choice and flexibility, whether you’re commuting, taking an occasional trip, visiting B.C. or getting home safely after a night out.

— Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit

 

May 19, 2026