Residents in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and across the Peace Region now have a new way to pay for transit, as BC Transit rolls out contactless fare payment on local buses.
Starting today, riders in communities using the Umo system can tap a debit card, credit card or mobile wallet to pay their fare, eliminating the need for cash or pre-loaded transit accounts.
The change applies to all participating systems across the province, including those serving Northeast B.C., where transit is a key option for residents commuting within Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
BC Transit says the new system is designed to make taking the bus more convenient, allowing riders to use the same payment methods they rely on for everyday purchases.
Passengers can also benefit from features like automatic fare caps and transfers when using the same card throughout the day, with no additional fees compared to paying cash.
However, riders who qualify for reduced fares are still encouraged to use Umo cards, the mobile app or cash to access those discounts.
Transit officials say the goal is to remove barriers and make public transit a more attractive option, particularly in growing regional centres like Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, where reliable transportation plays an important role in connecting communities across the Peace Region.
“Making transit easier and more accessible is key to building connected communities,” said Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth, noting the addition of modern, contactless payment options is intended to improve the overall rider experience.
BC Transit President and CEO Erinn Pinkerton says the new tap-to-pay feature offers flexibility for riders, whether they are commuting daily or using transit occasionally.
“It’s the same tap-to-pay experience many people already use every day,” Pinkerton said, adding the system gives riders more choice when paying their fare.
The contactless payment rollout is part of a broader $24.8 million electronic fare collection project funded by federal, provincial and local governments.
BC Transit says more information on contactless fares and participating systems is available on its website.