BC Transit riders urged to update details amid new contactless rollout

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Transit plans to expand its digital payment options for riders in Fort St. John and other communities, which will result in credit card details being deleted from current accounts.

In an October 14th press release, BC Transit said it will soon begin testing an update that will allow passengers to pay fares by tapping a credit card, debit card or mobile wallet directly on the bus. This is for local transits that use the Umo fare payment system.

As part of the preparation, the Umo system will undergo updates in the coming weeks, which will delete any credit card information currently saved in rider accounts. 

According to BC Transit, those who use stored cards for automatic payments or linked accounts will need to re-enter their payment information before making their next purchase.

Riders who don’t store card information or who buy fare products in person at retail locations won’t be affected by the update.

BC Transit said testing for contactless payment will take place on buses across B.C. in the coming months. 

It advised passengers to only use their Umo card or QR code during testing to prevent unintended charges to credit or debit cards. Any such charges will be automatically refunded to riders.

The announcement builds on recent updates to the Umo digital payment system, including the introduction of tap validation for BC Bus Pass holders in September. 

That update allowed seniors and individuals receiving disability assistance to tap their annual passes instead of showing them to drivers.

More information about the Umo system can be found at BC Transit’s website.