Passengers getting onto RDN Transit will soon be able to use a new smartphone app or reloadable card to get on board. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

tap and go

New app & electronic ticketing system on track for RDN Transit

Jan 31, 2023 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — Work continues behind the scenes on modernizing the way users pay for and track transit in the region.

Led by BC Transit, the Regional District of Nanaimo is preparing to launch a new electronic fare system, named UMO, in mid-2023. It will do away with paper tickets and passes based on calendar months.

Darren Marshall, senior manager of transportation services, said the monthly passes will be replaced by a 30-day version.

“The advantage is that these can be purchased at any time of the month and used the full 30 days versus if a customer purchases a calendar month pass late a couple of days…they wouldn’t receive full value.”

Fares will be able to be paid for using cash, a re-loadable card through select retail outlets and a smartphone app.

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Marshall said the app also comes with some additional features such as trip planning and live location of buses.

At a later date, credit and debit cards will also be able to be tapped on board.

Financing for the system launch is set to be included in 2023/2024 operating agreement for the RDN Transit system with BC Transit.

RDN A Director Jessica Stanley raised some concerns over student fares and their ability to pay without having to use a smart phone.

She said she didn’t “want excuses for them being on smartphones more.”

“You’ll have two options when the new fare technology is first introduced it’ll be through the app on a smartphone or a rechargeable card, very similar to buying a monthly pass that most students would have, so there would be no real difference in that sense.”

UMO will also handle for most unused transit products purchased before launch, but which become antiquated with the new system.

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