Umo has launched across the Regional District of Nanaimo transit system, providing customers a new way to pay for the travel and manage their balances. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

'you-mo' and go

New tap-and-go payment system launched for RDN Transit service

Nov 16, 2023 | 12:35 PM

NANAIMO — A new way to pay and ride aboard local transit has launched.

BC Transit, in partnership with the Regional District of Nanaimo, officially unveiled ‘Umo’ (pronounced you-mo) at an event on Thursday, Nov. 16.

The tap-and-go system connects to a pre-paid card or app to manage daily or monthly bus fares. In the weeks and months ahead, tap credit and debit cards will also be able to be used.

“I think it’s going to open up the possibilities of just more flexibility of people being able to choose,” Vanessa Craig, RDN Board chair, said. “If you get up in the morning, and you want to take the bus but don’t know what your day is going to look like, the second day you tap it you’ll get your full day pass and get your savings that way.”

Transit riders are encouraged to download the Umo Mobility App from either the Apple or Android app stores, and create an account to manage their tickets and balances online.

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When getting on board, those users can scan a generated QR code from the app to pay for their travel.

The app also includes access to recently upgraded real-time information on bus locations and schedules, maps and other details.

Riders can also create alerts for certain routes or nearby stops, informing them of changes in service due to schedules, weather, or road conditions.

“It can be confusing to know where’s the best place to get on a bus and if you need to transfer, where to do so, and I think this will simplify it,” Craig said, adding transit drivers were always helpful to those getting on board but this new service also improves the experience for pre-planners.

Reloadable cards are also available for purchase at participating retailers. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Those who opt for a reloadable card can purchase one at participating businesses and locations, including Walmart, VIU, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs and Mid-Island Co-Op.

A complete list of retailers is available here.

Stuart McLean, chair of the RDN’s transit committee, said the new system is a big step forward for local riders in both rural and urban areas.

“There’s frustration with not having cash on hand for a lot of people, so I think this is a great step in that direction to make it easier to ride and I know people will be looking forward to having a tap payment method for debit and credit cards in the future as well.”

The RDN notes users with existing monthly passes can continue to use them, however they will eventually be phased out of service. Cash will continue to be accepted for riders who prefer to use it.

BC Transit notes riders will be given “several months” to transition to Umo.

Upgrades of the fare system are being rolled out through a variety of BC Transit markets at a cost of around $23.2 million, of which 40 per cent is being covered by the provincial government, 50 per cent from the federal government, and the remaining 10 per cent from local government operators.

The system is already installed in both Victoria and Cowichan Valley, with the Comox Valley system due later this month.

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