BC Bus Pass holders to board more easily with new tap validation in Victoria

BC Transit riders using a BC Bus Pass will soon be able to tap on board instead of showing their pass to the driver. Starting Sept. 1, bus passes will be enabled for contactless tap validation in communities using Umo, BC Transit’s electronic fare system introduced two years ago. The $23.2 million project [https://www.vicnews.com/local-news/bc-transit-rolls-out-232m-electronic-fare-system-starting-in-victoria-3010179] has gradually modernized how riders pay across the province. “The modernization of the BC Bus Pass validation process aims to create a universal rider experience, matching other BC Transit fixed-route fare products and aligns with BC Bus Pass holders that travel on TransLink services,” BC Transit said in a statement. The new system will also collect ridership data, which BC Transit says will "better deliver transit services with an improved understanding of BC Bus Pass usage." In total, 30 regional services will adopt the technology, including several Vancouver Island communities: Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni and Nanaimo.