It’s the start of a new school year and BC Transit has decided to change the bus pass system. Instead of being about to use your OneCard (student ID) as your U-Pass, you are now required to either download the Umo app or receive a physical card, but not both.
Therefore, I chose to get the physical card just in case my phone dies while I’m out, but also I’ve seen that scanning the QR code on the app doesn’t even work. However, as the app includes travel tools such as real-time information, maps, and alerts, it is BC Transit’s recommended fare product. Google Maps works just as well though.
According to the BC Transit website, Umo is currently only in Victoria. It will be rolled out to 29 other transit systems over time. The next locations to have Umo will be the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, the Comox valley, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
An article by The Times Colonist revealed that Victoria is the first Canadian location of the $23.2 million system owned and operated by Cubic Transportation Systems Inc. Of that $23.2 million, 50 per cent was paid by the federal government, 40 per cent by the provincial government, and 10 per cent by the various local governments.
With that said, you are unable to pay with a card as you enter. If you don’t have a Umo pass, you can either download the app or pay with cash. Make sure you have $5 exactly if you or a friend are planning on getting that day pass as there’s no change.
If you want to receive a physical Umo card and not risk any dying phones, swing by the UVSS info booth in the Student Union Building to pick it up. For the app on your phone, search “Umo Mobility” within the app store and go from there.
Good luck and good transiting!