B.C. Transit will check in with RDN Transit bus riders before it introduces new fare payment options.
The Umo system will allow transit users to pay fare via a mobile app or a reloadable card and while it launched in Victoria in August, B.C. Transit would only say it anticipates it will come to the Regional District of Nanaimo later this fall.
Engagement sessions are planned for Ladysmith, Nanaimo and Parksville next week, B.C. Transit told the News Bulletin in an e-mail, allowing “riders the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Umo.” Further, validator devices are being installed on RDN Transit buses this week in anticipation for the launch.
Public feedback sessions will take place Tuesday, Oct. 3 in Ladysmith from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Frank Jameson Community Centre and in Nanaimo at the Beban Park pool lobby from 1-4 p.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 4, sessions will be held in Parksville from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oceanside Place Arena and from 9-11 a.m. at Ravensong Aquatic Centre at Qualicum Beach. Thursday, Oct. 5 sessions will be held at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre from 9-11 a.m. and 12-2 p.m. at Woodgrove Centre.
Users will be able to manage their accounts and view balances with the Umo mobile app. They will also be able to plan trips, obtain real-time bus information and will be warned of low balances. Regular fare and month or day passes will be options for riders.
People using the mobile app will scan a QR code on their device upon boarding a bus.
Debit and credit cards and mobile wallet will be added as payment options some time after the initial launch, B.C. Transit said.
For more information, go to http://bctransit.com/umo or www.bctransit.com/nanaimo/home.
– files from Ella Matte/Black Press Media
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